From the Artist: When Covid-19 took over our lives my gift and souvenir company that caters to the tourist industry came to a screeching halt. My daily 9-5 rhythm of designing the art for the products I sell was nonexistent. Suddenly I had the gift of time and the opportunity to focus on my love of abstract painting. Sadly, I could not go near my studio for many months. I was paralyzed by the forced isolation and our uncertain world. As an abstract expressionist, my work is about my feelings in the present moment. Over time, I surrendered to my life being out of my control, heard the quiet, and began to appreciate some of those seemingly trivial day to day events that make me happy. Most of all I was flooded with gratitude, just to be alive. The things that previously seemed so important, took a back seat and my endless stress was about trying to control my life. I saw how much time I wasted worrying, and the truth was I never could control anything. With this profound understanding I began this series on paper. Working on paper instead of canvas freed me to work larger than usual and each work didn’t feel so precious. My love of the process from drawing, layering paint, and color mixing was all that mattered. I could tap into what I am certain about; my momentary feelings, the marks I make that express my energy, and the joy that propels me to make art.