no. 14 Print

I grew up in a very repressed culture. One where I was told to wear baggy clothing so as not to tempt boys and men. To not pierce my ears until marriage because being beautiful wasn't necessary until it was for my husband. I was told I would have an arranged marriage. I grew up in a community where "purity culture" was the talk of the town. No masturbation, no boyfriends, no sex before marriage, or you will be seen as evil, not enter "the kingdom of heaven" and have failed as a person and will bring shame to your parents and community. We were told no one would want us if we've "fallen" ( sex before marriage). Told all of this before the age of 4. Taught from infancy to feel shame. I'm coming to a point in my life where I finally feel separated from all of that, where I feel free to explore my sexuality and allow others to explore theirs without feeling shame or casting judgement. I made a series of 30 floral paintings when I started to feel this change within me. It's liberating to look within and feel peace for the first time in my life. There are less demons whispering in my ear, making me feel small. These paintings are meant to convey this energy, this movement into peace. They are a series on love. Love for myself and all that I am.