Top 3 Deadly Sins

Prayer for Pride

18 inches x 24 inches

Acrylic paint on stretched canvas, including Stuart Semple's Black 3.0 and Glow pigments

July 2023

This painting takes advantage of 3 different ways of viewing it. Standard lighting presents one view. Under UV light several of the paints react to create a different look. Finally, after UV exposure, once all the lights are out, in the dark, you will see some parts glowing. 

Highlight the hidden text below to read what is written in glow pigment, and read more of the artist's statement. 

My the bridges I burn

forge the mettle

to secure a spine

to fortify a spirit

from the pieces left of

all myselves I broke before

If you asked me what I regret in my life, I can point to a handful of moments. The times I buckled in the face of what of "obligation" demanded, at the sacrifice of being the person I want to be for myself and my loved ones. The times when my failures resulted in harm to others, especially at the starkly physical level. In the spirit of Japanese kintsugi, I represent some of my physical scars and "ace" ring as starting points of gold, seeping into the heart line and veins. While I am demisexual, anyone under the ace umbrella can sport an "ace" ring. Additionally, the position of a ring on the middle finger represents power and responsibility. Moving forward, this painting is part prayer, part vow. I have the power to make decisions and live with consequences. Breaking myself to fit what others want is a form of self-harm I am no longer willing to participate in. There will be pain in those choices, but freedom and self-respect too. I cannot undo what I've done, but I can move forward with what I have.

Everything I Deserve

18 inches x 24 inches

Acrylic paint on stretched canvas, including Stuart Semple's Black 3.0 and Glow pigments

July 2023