You know that voice in your head that sometimes tells you not to do something? But you know, you really, really want to do it? Here’s a little proof that even though your brain is trying to protect you from failure, it’s really, really good to let your heart take the wheel sometimes.

I entered my piece, Love Perseveres into The Alquemie Project's Art Exhibition, and I'm honored to announce that was selected as one of twelve finalists!

This is an exciting project that is sponsored by Jolie Tea Company in Salem, which is dedicated to the belief in the transformative power of art to support humanity and build community.

As I filled out the application, I felt so in tune with what this project is trying to do. You see, Love Perseveres is part of my Botanical Bodies collection. It’s all about grief and growth and loss and beauty, and how it is all inexplicably connected…just like us.

The title is actually inspired by WandaVision, believe it or not. If you would have told me almost fifteen years ago as I was sitting in theater crushing hard on Robert Downey Jr. that I would be a serious artist, and I would draw inspiration from the Marvel Universe in the future, I probably would have choked on my popcorn.

You see, after we’ve watched the incredibly difficult flashbacks of Wanda’s life…we see a tender moment between her and her Vision, and he asks her, “What is grief, if not love persevering?”

And that line, it had me choking on tears. I was amazed at how Marvel had shown just how messy and beautiful grief truly was. The show went on to empty my tissue box completely…We saw that Wanda became powerful as she mourned the loss of her beloved. She dreamed up an entire life that could have, that would have been, and then she created it just for herself. And she broke a lot of stuff and hurt a lot of people as she grieved.

But Wanda also grew into something beautiful. And, eventually, she had to let go of the other world her grief had motivated her to create and move on with her life. (Whatever the hell that actually means.)

I was a mess when it was finished. And I spent the next few days painting and collaging like a madwoman. Making art and listening to some really beautiful music…my playlist was full of Audrey Assaad, and First Aid Kit and Kina Granis and Maggie Rogers and Gungor and Florence and the Machine also a lot of ambient sound.

And, that is where “Love Perseveres” gets her name. And I’m really glad I decided to submit it to The Alquemie Project because Botanical Bodies is about having conversations about grief and building a community around stories of loss and growth.

The Alquemie Project's Art Exhibition will take place during the Salem Arts Festival 2021 this weekend at Jolie Tea Company, and the public gets to vote on their favorite piece on June 4 and 5th--winners are announced June 6. If you’re local, I’d be absolutely thrilled to see you there.

I’ll also be set up as a vendor in the Salem Common all weekend, so if you’re looking to add to your art collection, or just to say hello, come and find me.

So, tell me, when was the last time you let your heart take the driver’s seat?