Portals

I painted this series while undergoing trauma therapy and was drawn to work with the abstract imagery of doorways, caverns, and bridges—portals through the fog of pain into a place of greater insight and healing. In each work, I explored the unseen environments within and around me, using colors from childhood memories to capture the emotional, mental, energetic, and relational spaces that shaped me.

I chose to paint on paper to utilize paper-to-paper relief printing throughout the process, mirroring the unknown ways our environment imprints upon us. Working in response to these impressions, I allowed my body to lead, using my hands as often as my brushes to intuitively layer and spontaneously collage. Fast-drying materials like acrylic paint and pastels helped to tether me to the present moment, the place where all healing happens. Each painting is tribute to the reclamation of my power and delight.