E D E N: Dealt Hands - 2025

Pen & Ink, Watercolor

18x24 in.

Creating this piece was a therapeutic experience. The trauma was there, but it was important for me to alchemize that pain into something positive. This room is one of the most important rooms in my life, my adolescent one. I spent most of my time in this room, from 8th - 12th grade.

I won't dive into too many details, but those were "times" to say the least. Granted, some of the "worst times" in my life, but it's all good😭😂. Some were good, but I think we all understand how trying times can block out MANY of the good ones. But overall, it was a time, an experience. I just thank God that I'm outta that funk (for the most part). At least enough to where I can make art about it.

The idea of cards was pretty big for me too. I was thinking about how all of us are dealt a hand. The hand itself is objective, it has no agenda. Even if it's an unfair hand, that in it of itself can be seen as "fair." Primarily because all of us have no control of the hand we're dealt. BUT, it IS up to us to make the most out of said hand (if we want to).