"Portraits of Self, III" Open Call Poetry: "Dear Bully"
“Childhood was a torturous journey of bullying. As an adult, I became adept at masking and stoicism to cope with these wounds. It is incredibly hard to live the kind of life where you can only be yourself when you're alone.
It took therapy, introspection and meditation to set a new course for my life. One where I no longer apologized for existing or worked myself to exhaustion to fit into checked boxes that never described me. With patience and time, art therapy became a solace. Healing can be a creative endeavor.
So I say again to others: your story does not define who you are.
Nourish your inner light and have the courage to dream of a better life.
That’s the first step to attaining one.
For 2026, my goal as Curator for The 34 Gallery is to provide a space for mental health conversations while celebrating life. It is no secret that the most creative, intuitive and kind-hearted people in our populations are also the most bullied, tormented and marginalized. Let's change this. Get creative.
Then Join Us. "
Art I: "Masking" -(Acrylic on Canvas Panel)
Art II: "forged in fire" -(Acrylic on Canvas Panel)
Art II: "forged in fire" -(Acrylic on Canvas Panel)
Art II: "forged in fire" -(Acrylic on Canvas Panel)
Art Iii: "She Wakes" -(Acrylic on Canvas Panel)
Art Iv: "Between Worlds" - (Acrylic on Cardboard)
Art Iv: "Between Worlds" - (Acrylic on Cardboard)
Art Iv: "Between Worlds" - (Acrylic on Cardboard)
Art v: "Survival" -(marker on WaterColor Paper)
Art Vi:"Fighting Spirit"-(Acrylic on Canvas panel)
Art Vi:"Fighting Spirit"-(Acrylic on Canvas panel)
Art Vi:"Fighting Spirit"-(Acrylic on Canvas panel)
Art Vii: "Light in the darkness" - (Ink & Marker on Watercolor Paper)
Art Vii: "Light in the darkness" - (Ink & Marker on Watercolor Paper)
Art Viii: "Birth of Idea" -(Ink & Marker on Watercolor Paper)
Art Vii: "Light in the darkness" - (Ink & Marker on Watercolor Paper)
Art ix: "THe Fire Lotus - Within, Without" - (Ink & Marker on Bamboo Paper)
Art ix: "THe Fire Lotus - Within, Without" - (Ink & Marker on Bamboo Paper)
Art ix: "THe Fire Lotus - Within, Without" - (Ink & Marker on Bamboo Paper)
Art x: "The Escape artist" (digital collage)
Art ix: "THe Fire Lotus - Within, Without" - (Ink & Marker on Bamboo Paper)
Art ix: "THe Fire Lotus - Within, Without" - (Ink & Marker on Bamboo Paper)
Art Xi: "Fire Lotus" -(Acrylic on Canvas Panel)
Art ix: "THe Fire Lotus - Within, Without" - (Ink & Marker on Bamboo Paper)
Art Xi: "Fire Lotus" -(Acrylic on Canvas Panel)
CONNECT WITH M.
THE EARTH IS CHANGING. WE NEED TO CHANGE WITH IT.
In every era, each Golden Age is led by artists.
We remind people of who they really are simply by being authentically ourselves. When you are "in the zone" doing what you love, only the present exists. The Arts & personal creative expression can also help keep your heart & spirit intact in any circumstance. In this way, Peace becomes a natural internal way of living.
- If you are looking to make a difference, get in touch: M@34Gallery.org
- For more of my artwork, visit: SacredOptimism.art