Euphoric Blooms at ArtPrize

A Journey Beyond My Wildest Dreams

I am filled with immense gratitude for what has been an incredibly rewarding journey. From the moment Euphoric Blooms was selected for display at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, I knew this experience would be special. However, I never could have anticipated just how impactful it would be—not only for me as an artist but for everyone who took the time to view and connect with my work.

What truly touched me was the overwhelming positivity from everyone I encountered. The people I met in person who admired my art, the fellow artists sharing their own creations, and the local community in Grand Rapids all made the experience so special. Equally heartwarming was the support from those online in the ArtPrize Facebook group—everyone was so welcoming and encouraging. It felt like being part of a warm, creative family.

Achievements That Have Left Me Grateful

One of the most humbling aspects of my ArtPrize 2024 experience was connecting with the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, which made it possible for me to participate in such a prestigious event. This was my first time attending ArtPrize, both as a visitor and an artist—something I had always dreamed of but never imagined would happen. In fact, I was simply on the ArtPrize website one day in the spring, checking the event dates to mark them in my calendar, when I noticed that interested artists could submit their work. On a whim, I clicked that button... and, well, here we are!

To top it off, Euphoric Blooms sold on the very first day—within just an hour of the event starting! Then, as if that wasn't enough, my painting was recognized as part of the top 100 entries, ranking in the top 20 for the central district, during the half time event.

I am truly grateful to everyone who has supported me along this journey and taken the time to vote for my painting during ArtPrize. Your encouragement and appreciation mean the world to me, and it’s moments like these that remind me just how powerful the connection between art and people can be.

Euphoric Blooms: A Story of Change and Renewal

Euphoric Blooms explores the profound shifts that come with embracing new roles and identities, particularly through the lens of motherhood. In this piece, two peonies symbolize my children, representing the spectrum of emotions and the journey of self-discovery that accompanies motherhood. The warm and cool hues reflect the constant ebb and flow of life, while the abstract, layered blooms signify the shedding of past selves to make way for new possibilities.

The use of composition gold leaf across larger areas adds a rich, illuminating quality, with 24k gold carefully applied to the pollen centers, symbolizing the significance of life's precious moments. Delicate gold lines further highlight the connections and resilience that carry us through transitions.

Euphoric Blooms is the first piece in my completed series, Traversing the Heart's Odyssey, which encompasses three collections: Change, Chaos, and Content. This artwork belongs to the Change collection, exploring the transformative power of navigating life’s twists and turns. Through this piece, I invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences with change and growth, and I hope it resonates as a testament to the resilience and inspiration we all possess.

My Journey as an Artist

As an artist based in St. Clair, Michigan, my journey has been shaped by many roles. I am a high school art educator, mother, and wife. These experiences deeply influence my work, inspiring the vibrant and meaningful pieces I create. My love for florals is evident in both my personal life, with a closet full of floral patterns, and in my art. My paintings play with a dynamic color palette, often incorporating tinted hues and moody shades, while gold accents serve as a symbol of resilience and hope.

My goal as an artist is to inspire others to embrace change and find beauty in life’s twists and turns. Whether it’s navigating the challenges of motherhood or overcoming personal obstacles, I hope my work serves as a reminder that strength and beauty can be found in every journey.

Through my large-scale paintings, I explore these themes of transformation and self-discovery, using bold florals and delicate gold accents to reflect life’s ebb and flow. My journey into large-scale gold floral paintings began a little over a year ago, and since then, I’ve sold multiple pieces and had the privilege of displaying my work in incredible venues such as the the St. Clair Art Association.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has supported me along the way. From the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for showcasing Euphoric Blooms to the visitors and fellow artists whose encouragement has lifted me up, this journey has been more than I could have ever imagined.

A special thank you to everyone who has taken the time to vote for my painting and followed me on Instagram to stay connected with my journey. Your support truly means the world to me. If you’d like to continue following along, I invite you to join my collectors' list and receive my monthly Palette Pages newsletter, where I share behind-the-scenes updates, exclusive content, and the latest on my work.

Thank you again for being a part of this incredible experience. Euphoric Blooms is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.