As a woman, an autoimmune warrior, and an advocate for body positivity, my art is a reflection of both personal healing and the collective strength of those living with chronic illness. Driven by a deep desire to challenge societal expectations, my art explores major themes of body positivity, vulnerability, resilience, feminism, and storytelling—while also confronting the stigmas surrounding health, beauty, and identity. After getting diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in early childhood, I turned to photography, particularly self-portraiture, as a way to navigate the complex emotions tied to my illness. My camera served as a visual dairy, functioning as both an outlet and form of therapy that I heavily relied on during my hardest bouts of chronic illness. 

 

In recent years, I’ve explored mediums and expanded my practice to include painting. My latest body of work is focused on women with ostomies. I paint women of various body types and skin colors, proudly showcasing their ostomies, stomas, and their resulting scars that accompany this life-saving surgery. These women are surrounded by vibrant florals, symbolizing both the beauty of their bodies and the resilience inherent in their stories.

 

I work in a variety of mediums including acrylic, fine-liner and watercolor, mixed media and digitally through procreate when I'm flaring. It allows me the flexibility to create anywhere—from a hospital bed or doctor’s waiting room to the comfort of my bed. The portability of digital painting enables me to continue my creative practice even in times of physical limitation.

 

My goal is to reduce stigma around medical conditions, offer a platform for underrepresented stories and bodies, and foster a community where those who have been marginalized can see themselves reflected in art. Through each brushstroke and photograph, I aim to create a space where vulnerability is not only accepted, but celebrated—a space where community is encouraged, emotions are laid bare, and the power of personal stories is honored. My hope is that viewers will see the beauty in what is often considered “imperfect” and feel empowered enough to embrace their own stories, scars, and experiences. When we raise our voices together, our collective experiences have the power to break through stigma and help show others they are not alone in their journey.