Art and a Boa Constrictor: my journey with grief

Hey there and hola!

After my husband passed away, I felt as though a boa constrictor had coiled itself around me with unyielding force, leaving me helpless, unleashing emotions I never anticipated. I had naively envisioned finding peace afterwards, but instead, I was caught off-guard by an utterly different reality. I experienced highs, lows, and unexpected feelings like anger and guilt. Each painting in my collection reflects my crazy journey through loss and towards a better place. If you’ve ever been touched by art that speaks to your heart, I invite you to explore my series on grief.

Putting my work out there gives me a knee-knocking feeling. Investing in a website to showcase such intimate expressions has made me question my choices. Yet I’ve realized that vulnerability often leads to authenticity and real connection.

By authenticity, I mean what Brené Brown describes as a practice of being true to oneself, embracing and expressing your true feelings, values, and beliefs rather than conforming to external expectation or societal norms.

I hope my art offers you a sense of validation and freedom, and I hope at least one or two paintings of the collection will resonate with your own experiences. My bereavement hasn’t followed the typical Hollywood narrative, but I’ve grown through the darkest part, and I believe that by sharing my artwork, I might inspire others to open up and share their own stories.

That’s not to say I don’t carry complicated emotions, but my orientation now is on living life with a bit more abundance. My responsibility to myself is be more mindful of being alive.

Let’s celebrate the beauty of sharing our experiences in a safe space, surrounded by trusted friends. Each piece I present is not just a step in my healing, but a beacon of sorts for those who might need it. Take a look at my paintings—they’re more than art. They’re heartfelt expressions waiting to connect with you!