During times of stress and emotional turbulence, I often find solace in creating. Whether it’s through drawing or painting, repetitive strokes and simple shapes start to form, often taking on humanistic or alien-like qualities. In these moments, emotion flows from my subconscious, with no intention or plan. The process becomes a way to connect with myself at the deepest level.
One of the most poignant pieces I created in this way is Womb (2022). This piece emerged after a miscarriage I had in June of that year, during a time of immense emotional loss and grief. My feelings of loss were intertwined with what it means to be a woman and the fragile nature of the womb, a place that is supposed to nurture life but can also fail.
The timing of this piece also coincided with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a decision that struck at the core of my beliefs about bodily autonomy. I struggled deeply with the idea that others would have control over my body, just as I felt the physical and emotional loss of my miscarriage. Creating Womb was cathartic for me—it gave me a way to visualize and process my pain, not only for myself but for all the women in this country who were affected by the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
This piece is more than just art; it’s an expression of my deepest emotions, a visual representation of my struggles, and a reflection of the times we were living in.
You can view Womb and explore the emotions behind it here: Womb 2022 Poster Print.
