Dahlia Botanical Illustration by Michi_WOC in San Marcos

My journey has been marked by tremendous challenges, including becoming a widow at the tender age of 21, battling ovarian cancer while rebuilding my life following the 2015 SMTX floods, and enduring a relationship with an emotionally abusive individual grappling with mental illness. The pain and grief that have accompanied these experiences permeate my work. Through my art, I strive to convey a relatable narrative of survival in the face of trauma, both emotional and physical. While my art may not directly mirror the struggles of my life, it embodies the collective experience of navigating life's chaos, including isolation, building emotional fortifications, setting boundaries, and discerning the fine line between healing and guarding one's heart. It is about embracing the scars of the past and finding beauty within our brokenness. Murals: I have experience collaborating with nonprofits, with extensive experience in public art installations involving the community. I also offer experience working with new build construction from conception to completion. My most recent work emphasizes flowers and landscapes striving to bring us back to our roots and the land. My work combines botanical illustration with a stylized technique. Locally, I am known for my large-scale flowers and greenery that focus on the simple beauty of a singular flower on a brightly contrasting background. The chance to create a mural installation that not only beautifies the space but also becomes a landmark that fosters community pride and engagement is what I aspire to. I hope to create murals that serve as a gathering points and source of inspiration for residents and visitors alike Fine Art: My broken butterflies are a testament to the beauty of overcoming adversity. Despite being broken, their wings bear the marks of tears and imperfections, yet they still possess the ability to take flight. Some have been painstakingly mended, with wings sewn back together and holes adorned with delicate gold leaf. In our lives, we often try to conceal our scars. When we face adversity and suffer damage, whether due to the passage of time or external trauma, we attempt to piece ourselves back together. However, sometimes the damage endures, leaving us forever changed. It is in this acknowledgment of our scars that I find inspiration for my art. I choose to spotlight these imperfections, celebrating the fact that what nearly shattered us ultimately strengthens and beautifies us.