ROOTS
Creating art has been a way for me to heal.
I am a survivor and an orphan.
My mother passed away and my unresolved trauma of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) reared it’s ugly head. Only two years later my Dad passed away. Neither of my parents knew of the abuse. At early age I decided they would never know. As I began to confront my past and heal I turned to art. Clay willingly accepted my emotions, and my writing gave me a way to express what I couldn’t say out loud. My hope is that sharing my art might help someone else feel less alone. My healing journey has shown me that I am not alone and I don’t need to be.
Check out my Storyteller page for my poetry and art.
Every time I finished writing or was in the studio, I knew other survivors would benefit from this practice. I have always wanted to find a way to share it and now I have.
In 2023, I launched the Survivor Forest, a collaborative art project with other survivors.
My Petal Project was one of the first ways I began to share my art with other survivors. My yellow rose petals are declarations created for the beautiful survivors who I have met along my journey. The ceramic yellow rose petals, each with a declaration represent all those who've suffered abuse. The petals of support can be kept in a pocket or near by. When needed the Survivors can physically feel the cool, smooth, solid intention reminding them, they are Strong!!
Check out all my projects below.
FIRE CIRCLE
Where it began...
I stood there with my fire circle, my healing tribe.
Most of them didn’t know my story, but yet they were there for me.
I looked around at each face and felt their warmth, encouragement, and strength.
Piece by piece, I tossed them in.
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Storyteller
I was not a writer. I never set out to be a writer. And yet, I am writer or perhaps more of a storyteller! I began journaling as way to process my trauma. And from there emerged my writing side. Sometimes my writing inspires a clay piece and sometimes the other way around. Check out my poetry and my ceramic sculptures - my stories.
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Survivor Forest
My art has been a powerful part of my healing journey. It’s a space where I can go to process my feelings, get them out in clay and truly be happy. I have always wanted to find a way to share this with other survivors. I now work with other survivors to tell their tree story and then I create in clay. Together we will build a forest!
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Petal Project
I created yellow rose petals to represent friendship and care for fellow survivors. Each yellow rose petals has an engraved declaration.