They are at the core of this collection of paintings that helped me emerge from the dark fog I was initially under when all of the Covid-19 craziness disrupted life as we knew it. Initially I was pretty unproductive and in a state of what I came to recognize as grief as I was processing it all—disruption to lives, death and heartache related to the virus. But as I started showing up in my studio, picking up my palette knives and mixing up colors and painting and I started to feel better. I found that with each act of creating, the fog began to lift and I felt a renewed sense of my purpose of bringing joy and beauty into the world through my artwork.
So why peonies, lemons and 80’s music? Peonies will always and forever be my favorite flower and pairing flowers with fruits has been a favorite theme in my work so I decided to create this entire collection around them. While working in the studio I’ve been blasting all my favorite 80’s music—revisiting my favorite songs from my teenage years has brought back so many joy-filled memories and I can’t help but to belt out the lyrics as I paint. All of these paintings share titles with some of my favorite songs from my studio playlist.
Seeing my art bringing you a little bit of joy and beauty in this dark time is so uplifting and important to me. I am so grateful for your interest in my work and willingness to welcome my work into your lives and homes. Thank you.
