The Realest Thing I Know, 2016
Tomorrow Needs You, 2018
In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day and To Write Love on Her Arms, a nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, self-injury, & suicide. This is a theme that resonates with so many of us and it is so vital that everyday we are working to remove the social stigma around mental illness and make it easier for those who self-stigmatize themselves, to open up about their struggle, without the fear of ridicule and judgement. It takes a lot of courage to live with mental illness and to seek help, and so often we are unaware of the struggles many of our loved ones are experiencing, as Hemmingway quoted, "You are so brave & quiet, I forget you are suffering". — You are loved.
Esperanza, 2018
Esperanza, the Spanish word for hope, a word that resonates and connects us all through our shared struggle; An unexpected force that is strengthened through the power of joy, love and kindness. The human capacity for hope truly illuminates how resilient we are. It is okay to feel scared and vulnerable, but it is so important to remember to be as Frida Kahlo expressed, "arbol de la esperanza, mantente firme" (Tree of hope, stand firm), and to be beacons of light for those who need it most in our world. We need your light.
Solidarity Tattoo, 2018
It is very meaningful when I get to work on a project with someone I love dearly. When Ida Eskamani asked me to co-create her tattoo design in honor of the 49 lives lost at Pulse, I was honored. She shared her ideas and the meaning behind her vision and I did my best to create it. For her, this is a reminder of our shared struggle and the joy we cultivate with each other.