I am an abstract expressionist painter and sculptor. Presently, my artwork has a strong focus on inclusion, mental health, trauma and special needs. Having adopted a child through Department of Children and Family, my journey to help heal my child and get the help needed has been unnecessarily long and vast. It has been a fulltime job. It took me 5.5 years to find my daughter a properly educated trauma therapist. It has been life changing!
I am a mid-career artist and certified K-12 Art teacher.My original plan was to make art to bring joy and a smiles but I realize I have a higher purpose to help get local stakeholders and government officials and families to start talking about how to improve the needs of special need families, mental healthcare and support for special need families. It is my responsibility and obligation as a adoptee mom to help bring education and knowledge to the forefront about adoption, trauma, special needs and mental healthcare.
I have tried writing and calling my local officials and have received no reply. I hope my art is thought provoking to jump start a vastly needed discussion to better support youth. My art is not just for talk. My dream is it helps springboard change.
For all those moms and dads fighting to help support a child who has experienced trauma or learning differences, I hope my artwork speaks to your journey and reality. #makechangethroughart
