I can still remember sitting around my grandmother’s kitchen table as a child, watching my mother, aunt, and cousin draw. My family is full of creative people - whether they identify that way or not. I think we’re all born with the light to create, but the world so often tries to shade it. I was fortunate to have encouragement from teachers, friends, and family that helped keep that light alive.

That said, I’ve always been a pretty awkward, anxious, and introverted person. For a long time, I let fear hold me back from really nurturing my creative potential. It’s taken me a while to accept that I am a low-energy artist, because a lot of my energy is expended just existing in a neurotypical world. That’s okay, though. I know now that I still deserve to take up space here with my creations.

When I turned 30 - a milestone I admittedly never thought I’d see because mental illness runs deep in my family and in me - I really started to side with gratitude for the way I am and for the immense spectrum of emotion I get to experience. Feeling everything so deeply is painful, yes, but also what fuels my art.

As I continue down this path, I’m hoping to slowly devote more time, energy, and heart to my creative work. Founding Fernlight Studio was the first step. I’m excited - and maybe a little nervous - to see what blossoms next, no matter how slowly at first.