The Scream captures a dialogue between a woman and her younger self. This thought-provoking piece portrays a young version of the woman urging her adult self to embrace authenticity and reconnect with the dreams she once held dear. It is a reminder to speak up and be heard and not be afraid. My early dream was to be an architect but different paths open up along the way I ended up in public relations and although it was one I didn’t expect it’s shaped me critical ways. Although I came from a quiet upbringing, public relations changed how I spoke and how I listened. I’ve learned to interpret my world. Through The Scream, I wanted to evoke themes of introspection and self-discovery, reminding us that the child within us—the innocent dreamer of those days—is still a part of who we are.
Jackson and the Rat was inspired by a vintage photo I stumbled upon in Chicago on one of my many business trips. In between meetings you could always find me at a museum.
As happens every time I paint, a story unfolded in my mind: a musician, tethered only to his thoughts and his peculiar companion, wandering through a dimly lit alley (the vintage photo did not include the rat on his shoulder).
Perhaps the rat is his confidant, a keeper of secrets too heavy to share. Or maybe it’s a reflection of his isolation, the only one without judgment enough to stay. This piece invites you to linger, to imagine what truths hide in the smoke and shadows of their unlikely bond.
