My inspiration to incorporate roses into my work came from my love of nature. Fall is my favourite time of year, leaves falling everywhere, colours changing.  I may have been given a large amount of unwanted roses, however it didn’t feel right to toss them in the trash. I love roses, it was hard for me to see them all withering without a purpose. At the time I was enrolled in a mixed media course. Mixed media is centred around using multiple mediums to create a piece of artwork. Supplies aren’t limited and can be a number of things from charcoal to textiles. This form is great for reusing old materials and giving them a new purpose. That studio time allowed me to experiment with the ungodly amount of roses I received. I first started creating gradients of changing blues and reds to mimic the cold weather. 

Your artwork helps in raising awareness about sexual harassment and domestic violence, has creating art helped you deal with your past traumas?

 My artwork has immensely helped me heal. Creating is a therapeutic way for me to understand my emotions. When I’m in the studio, I take the time to sit with my emotions. Often times my artwork will say things I can’t. For most of my life I was silenced and in unsafe circumstances, under no control of my own. Creating art has given me control over myself, I no longer have to seek approval or validation. Art has given me the confidence to be whatever I chose.

Creating art has given me control over myself, I no longer have to seek approval or validation. Art has given me the confidence to be whatever I chose.