The arts are an important format of expression, leading us to thoughtful discussions about social and internal matters. Reflective of the evergoing diversity and culture our experiences reflect a nuanced human experience, coherent of messages and artistic freedom. Subjective in matter the space promotes an abundance of ideas praised uniquely and universally, an amalgamation of existing ideals, prescient to the manner of expression and exploration. An eternal monologue, externally conformed, drawing on the experiences of displacement, heritage, and culture, a voice beyond the uncertainty and chaotic matter.

I am a writer and a fine art photographer. My heart has been broken by the state of the world, and I started to post my photography on Instagram under the title- “The World is Still Beautiful.” I was doing this mostly for me, to buck myself up, but I noticed that others actually responded strongly to my photos and the phrase. There have been terrible days, when it has been hard to say it- but those days seem to be the ones that people need the reminder most. Mother Nature is a balm. I am not trying to ignore or run away from the reality of what is going on- politically, ecologically, etc- merely realize the need to reboot- to feed ones soul- to gather strength and energy, to go back out and fight against the evil. Without this respite, we would surely burn out. Many of my shows have touched on the theme of the environment. My last show at the Von Lintel gallery was called Water Water Everywhere- from the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner- and spoke to the fact that Water was on most peoples minds as there was either too much or too little. To illustrate this point, at the end of February, I am having a show in Valencia Spain- Inside will be my Story Series- but outside the whole museum will be wrapped with my work. That outside show was originally going to be Water Water Everywhere- but after the devastating flood there, it felt insensitive- So I changed the wrap (20ft x238 ft and 20 ft x 80 ft) to “Look Up! Look Up!! . The wrap consists of my bird series and Skies, two of which I am sharing here.- Look up is also meant as a form of encouragement, as the people in Valencia Spain try to rebuild after the flook-death and destruction. My work is both representational and Abstract- all at the same time- I did a show called On the Edge- meaning On the edge of abstraction.

The creative process is vital to humanity, as it is the vehicle by which we communicate and connect with one another: something that is more important than ever in our increasingly isolating society. My work mingles textiles and sewing arts techniques with watercolor and ink, embroidery, crochet and knitting, loom-woven grounds, mediums overlapping as if done simultaneously, and exploring the historical tradition of “women’s work.” The process is at once tedious, time-consuming and physically demanding, as well as a symbol of feminine self-worth.

The arts and humanities are essential to the human experience, serving as a bridge between cultures, generations, and ideas. They provide a space for reflection, innovation, and emotional connection, shaping our understanding of history, society, and ourselves. The Creative Process resonates deeply with me because it not only celebrates artistic expression but also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, which is crucial in deepening our appreciation of art’s transformative power. The interplay of fragility and strength is at the core of my artistic practice. I chose to work with eggshells—an unconventional and delicate medium—because it mirrors the fragility of life itself. Through my art, I seek to reveal the exquisite beauty within vulnerability, transforming ephemeral materials into lasting expressions of resilience and transformation. This philosophy deeply aligns with The Creative Process, as both celebrate the ways in which art challenges perceptions, evokes deep emotional responses, and inspires new ways of seeing the world. By exploring themes of impermanence, renewal, and interconnectedness, I aim to create work that not only captivates but also invites reflection on the delicate balance between strength and fragility in both nature and human experience.

The underworld is not separate,
there lies the map of the quicksands of denial,
and the bedrock of reality.
Crawl, walk,
then run, to the new
life that awaits you.

My dual training and my dual experience as an artist and a psychiatric caregiver very early on allowed me to measure the importance and effects of access to artistic practices in the life course of people suffering from mental disorders. I'm talking about the meeting of people with an artist around an artistic project and not art therapy. This was a large part of my commitments during my career in psychiatry.

Art and culture can answer, of course, many questions of human existence. From preserving memory to uniting people of different views in the space of aesthetics. It serves as a method of cognizing oneself and the other. It unites and creates reasons for discussion. Art is present in every sphere of human life. Perhaps we can also say that art shows and indicates that a human being was present here. In this sense, supporting culture, developing culture, and inspiring people to explore and experience life creatively is a way to preserve humanity and increase its humanness.

The arts and the creative process allow us to connect to our human essence, the sacred, the mysteries of life. Art speaks a universal language that bridges and elevates our well-being as individuals and as communities. The Creative Process is a beautiful and important register of creativity from all around the world, featuring people of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. I am so proud to have been selected to be part of this inspiring and important project. What stands out to me the most about it is not just how well curated it is, but the fact that this has been accomplished within an equitable, welcoming and all-encompassing framework. I would love to see this project expand even further by also becoming a full-length video documentary detailing its history and achievements.