Light Benders

This was one of several Art of Vanity pieces I made for the "Journey to Self" exhibition. When we were given that theme, I thought about where I was on my own journey at the time, and what I wanted to highlight.

This portrait means so much to me. It comes from one of my favorite photos of us from our wedding, and it's the first time I ever drew my wife. More important than any of that, my marriage, and Audra specifically, have been one of the most crucial parts of me becoming who I am today.

Audra commands a level of intention, awareness, and respect that requires me to show up fully. She's been a mirror and a source of accountability, challenging me to grow beyond the limits I've placed on myself. So much of the intrapersonal work I do around the themes in my art runs parallel to the work we're doing in our marriage.

Even being married is part of the story. I was always adamant that I didn't want to get married. I didn't believe in the institution. To go from vowing never to do something, to having that very thing become a critical part of your growth, your success, and your identity, is a wild trajectory. But not an unexpected one.