The Ebb & Flow Collection

 "The Ebb & Flow collection represents the cadence of our lives. Like the ocean's shifts, your life moves between periods of ease and resistance. Inspired by the ocean's movements and patterns, this collection will invite you to find beauty in both the ebbs and the flows of your life."

This past year, I struggled with what to share on social media. I was going through some things privately, and what I was putting out there wasn’t really in line with my reality. I know it’s not a requirement that I share every bit of what’s going on in my life, but if my goal is  genuine connection, then it couldn't hurt to be a little bit more open:) After spending a couple of months in my new studio working on what will probably be my only collection of the year, I’ve had some thoughts. Not sure what direction this will take, but before I get into talking about my new work, I think I should probably fill you in on the last year because it’s tied into everything I’m creating now.

 If you've been following me on Instagram, you might know that I moved to a new studio last summer. I was so excited about it, but after settling in, that changed. I can't pinpoint the exact cause, but there was something about the space that felt off. It was just a subtle feeling which I chalked up to change, but it never went away. It was so conflicting because at the same time as I was going through this, I was also really grateful for the space and hopeful that I’d snap out of whatever I was going through. I ended up embracing it the best I could and creating some beautiful work that I was proud of. For those who purchased my work while I was there, you own a painting that grounded me in an unsteady time and gave me the motivation to keep working… and I’m extremely grateful!

 Anyway, this went on for 5 months or so and then December rolled around. It was Christmas weekend and there was a storm coming. I was in a flood zone, so the night before I moved as many paintings off the ground just in case. When I left that night I felt a little ridiculous because I figured nothing would really happen. I didn’t give it much more thought that night. When I woke up the next day, I got word that there was about 2 feet of water in the front of the house. I immediately thought everything had been lost. Fortunately, the flood water had risen and fallen quickly. Somehow only about 4 or 5 inches got into my studio and I got really lucky because all my work was safe. Even so, from that point on, every storm stressed me out.  Add a mold issue, covid, some other health issues and my mental health into the mix and when my lease was coming to an end in June, I decided not to stay.

 This was mid-June and when I tell you that things have completely shifted in the past two months, I’m not exaggerating. I feel like I’m coming out of a year-long hibernation or something. I started surfing again after a really long time away from it, I’ve started spending more time outside and by the water, I’ve been getting up earlier, and I’m feeling really connected to my work. Overall, everything is starting to feel much more aligned. I still have my ups and downs, but things are feeling like they're moving in a really positive and healthy direction. 

So what does all this have to do with my new work?

Well, recently I was down by the water and the title for the collection that I had barely even started just hit me. That’s really rare for me. Usually the title comes towards the end of the process, after I’ve sat with the work for a period of time. For almost a full year I had been quietly struggling. On the outside and to most people, I was fine …but inside was a different story. Now, I feel like I’m on the other side of it. The title “Ebb & Flow” not only resonates with me personally, but I know that I want these paintings to represent the cadence of life that we all have to navigate. I draw so much inspiration from the ocean’s movement and patterns and it’s impossible for me not to return to it for guidance, comfort and life lessons. The sea shifts between periods of calm and turbulence just as our lives move between periods of ease and resistance. This collection invites you to find beauty in both the ebbs and the flows of your life. 

Ebb & Flow will be available on October 21st, 2023