Art Opens Eyes and Minds
I began drawing in 2022 and oil painting soon followed. While painting quickly became a source of personal joy, it also gave me a visual language for experiences that words alone could not fully convey.
In 2023, I painted Forbidden Fruit (oil on 16”x 20” canvas) inspired by my son's struggle with hypothalamic obesity and hyperphagia—a condition that leaves him with an insatiable hunger while requiring strict restrictions around food. The painting explores the tension between longing and limitation and was first exhibited during Brain Tumor Awareness Month as part of the Raymond A. Wood Foundation's Art of Surviving online exhibit. To my surprise and honor, Forbidden Fruit was also selected for the 2023 de Young Open in San Francisco.
Austin, craniopharyngioma survivor
10” x 10” oil on canvas
When I began portrait painting, I practiced by painting the images of acquaintances I saw on Facebook. After completing the painting, I gifted it to the person. Austin was the first face I decided to paint in this manner and I’ll never forget the adorable thank you video he sent me.
Alex, craniopharyngioma survivor
10” x 10” oil on canvas
This is a portrait of my son. Despite the many chronic conditions he lives with everyday resulting from the brain tumor, Alex is good natured, kind, and retains a positive attitude. Alex works as a preschool teacher.
The Art of Surviving Craniopharyngioma
18” x 24” oil on canvas
One morning I sat down to paint a still life arrangement of my son’s medical supplies (there are still more items that could not fit neatly in the arrangement). He relies upon these supplies every day to survive. With this painting, I was honored to be selected as one of ten finalists in EveryLife Foundation’s Rare Artist contest and I was invited to Capitol Hill to advocate on behalf of other rare disease patients during Rare Disease Week in February, 2025.