Collection: Bloom where you are

Bloom where you are started as an idea for a collection of one of my favorite subjects to paint- flowers. I’m always amazed at how many different colors and shapes nature can create for us to enjoy.  The inspiration pictures I take are only the beginning, giving me a direction to start with and from there I stop looking at the picture letting my imagination and palette knife take over. All my life I have struggled with depression and anxiety making me feel like I’m the only one with these feelings. As I got older I learned there are many others like me who became so good at wearing a mask in public (to appear as everything is well)  and went home to take off the mask collapsing on the couch with exhaustion from wearing it. Now I no longer wear the mask and live my life freely. My down days are much rarer thankfully but when I do have them I feel comfortable letting people know how I feel. It's a wonderful freedom! Bloom where you are is a tribute to that feeling of freedom- be whoever you are, wherever you are in life. We are all in different chapters and must remember not to compare our chapter 3 to someone else’s chapter 12. Our path is as individual as we are and that is something to be celebrated not ashamed of. It’s taken me 53 years to realize and accept this, I only hope my speaking of it helps someone else realize sooner than I did. So enjoy the chapter you’re in!