Understanding A World of Hurt: Healing and Hope in Tough Times

Over the summer, my clay work took a different turn. Instead of my usual abstract and aerial pieces, I decided to focus on the headlines that were making headlines. Creating is how I process life, and in these tough times, there’s a lot to think about.

Amidst all the negativity, many people were treated badly by those in power. Immigrants, women, people of color, the LGBTQ+, government workers, and even military veterans were told they were “bad people” or that they didn’t even exist in America. This blatant fear of anything different was just a sudden return to the old-fashioned norms that were around before the Civil Rights era.

One morning, I had a thought: what if we could protect our hearts as easily as our daily lotions protect our skin?

That’s when “Soul Care” was born. I started experimenting with mold making, porcelain slip casting, and screen printing on clay. I was open to trying new things, even if they didn’t work out. Each piece I made was a way to show how strong and resilient I am, inspired by the headlines and my own thoughts.

Stepping out of my comfort zone, I realized that the real courage is being true to yourself, especially when society tries to make you fit into old ideas. This new art is for anyone who’s ever felt like they weren’t seen or valued, while being judged and questioned.

Our diversity makes us stronger. And even though these times feel scary, I hope that future generations will learn from this mess and create a better world. In the meantime, I hope my “Soul Care” creations can give you comfort, strength, and a reminder of how beautiful your authentic self is. The "Soul Care" collection debuts this weekend during Sac Open Studios at ClayART814 (814 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA) . Friday Night Preview 6-8pm Sat/Sun (9/20-21) from 10-5pm Every Soul Care sale contributes $5 to the Sacramento LGBTQ center.