I recall a time when I could freely indulge in art whenever I wanted to. Back then, I made do with the limited materials at my disposal, which, to be honest, weren’t much to speak of. I wasn’t exactly flush with conventional art supplies; my arsenal consisted of old magazines, some tape, assorted wood scraps, leftover paint, and glue. Nevertheless, making something out of nothing was as natural as breathing. Perhaps it was because I sought an emotional outlet—a diversion from my internal turmoil, a conduit through which I could channel my frustrations.

Now, I find myself a mother of two, ensnared in the whirlwind of a nine-to-five to keep things afloat. A palpable disconnect has settled in. It could be because of the everyday cacophony of my five-year-old and my nine-month-old, the never-ending pile of chores, the unrelenting demands of my job, or the deafening silence of my inner voice. Maybe I’ve simply lost touch with the part of myself that once thrived on the act of creation. And if I have, can I really keep calling myself an artist?

But this sense of disconnection, I’ve come to realize, isn’t all that unique. It’s something a lot of us share, held close to the chest and buried beneath the fear of being dismissed, misunderstood, or ostracized. I hold a deep affection for my identity as an artist. For the longest time, my art was at the center of who I was as a person. But now, I feel like I’m trying to draw blood from stone, absent of focus and inspiration.

In this solo exhibition, I’m driven by a deep desire to recapture the inspiration I once had, the artistic liberty that only comes with youth and recklessness. It’s been a struggle, but I’m not at all disappointed by the results. This endeavor is a reminder that, at times, priorities shift, and as do our paths. This is just how life is. I find myself in uncharted territory, embracing uncertainty and exploration. My artistic journey has evolved, and I will continue to confront unfamiliar challenges and experiences. I’m not sure what the path ahead is going to look like, but I will follow it until I find where I once was. Then, I will go beyond.