"We are like sculptors, constantly carving out of others the image we long for, need, love or desire, often against reality, against their benefit, and always, in the end, a disappointment, because it does not fit them." - Anais Nin

"Very slowly, with hands, tongues, mouths, we unwrapped and untied ourselves, laying open gifts. Gave birth to each other again, as separate bodies who enjoy collision." - Anais Nin

"In each moment the fire rages, it will burn away a hundred veils. And carry you a thousand steps toward your goal." ~Rumi

“You are the playground of which I have free reign.” -Nenia Campbell, Tantaliz

About “The Sybian” and Its Place in On Pistils and Powderkegs

“The Sybian” is the fourth piece I created for the series. The Sybian is actually the cyborg, not the lady, and the painting is about her taking control of her own passion and celebrating it. While others may objectify her and while society may label her without her consent, she knows she belongs to no one and owns every inch of herself, seen and unseen. 

The inspiration for On Pistils and Powderkegs snowballed after I’d moved to Chicago. I was captivated by the steampunk-y nature of The El’s architecture. It was stunning in a really non-organic way. I loved how unpolished, powerful, and essential it was to the daily lives of so many. At the same time, Chicago is home to breathtakingly lush parks. Flowers, trees, beautiful foliage is everywhere. These two seemingly different worlds co-exist perfectly in a city home to so many beautiful, vibrant cultures.

That juxtaposition lead me to ponder technology’s impact on our romantic relationships and sexual identities, which is the root of this series of paintings.

"Rape is the only crime in which the victim becomes the accused." -Freda Adler

“You’ve seen my descent. Now, watch my rising.” - Rumi

"Having a soft heart in a cruel world is courage, not weakness." 
- Katherine Henson

"I want to be with you. It is as simple and as complicated as that." -Charles Bukowski

"She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water. She belonged to no man and to no city." - Roman Payne

"Love is the mystery of water and a star." - Pablo Neruda

"Hearts are wild creatures. That's why our ribs are cages." -Anonymous

“When she transformed into a butterfly, the caterpillars spoke not of her beauty, but of her weirdness. They wanted her to change back to what she always had been. But she had wings.” - Dean Jackson

“Don’t fashion me into a maiden that needs saving from a dragon. I am the dragon, and I will eat you whole.” - Unknown

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” -Mother Theresa

“Mary 2.0” is a piece about the love poured into animal rescue efforts, something really dear to my heart and daily life. It’s also about helping those who simply can’t help themselves. We have a responsibility to each other.

And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." -Roald Dahl