Wallflower

Wallflower was painted alongside its companion piece, She, as an exploration of two contrasting expressions of feminine strength.

Where She is bold, unapologetic and commanding, Wallflower embodies a quieter power. She is gentle, humble and gracious, finding strength not in leading, but in supporting, observing and nurturing. Her presence is subtle rather than loud, yet no less significant.

The intricate colours, textures and layered patterns represent the social constructs, expectations and cultural narratives within which she has learned to exist. Rather than breaking free from them, she moves gracefully through them, revealing the resilience and beauty that can be found in softness.

Wallflower invites us to reconsider what strength looks like, suggesting that courage can be expressed just as powerfully through kindness, humility and quiet presence as through confidence and authority.

Follow

I grew up in Soho, New York City, during the 1970s and 80s. My father is an abstract painter, and art has been an integral part of my life from the very beginning.

I graduated from Vassar College with a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology, which led me to Africa, where I contributed to building schools in rural villages. My journey then took me to India, Nepal, and Tibet to study Buddhism and Hinduism. Along the way, I became a jewellery maker, yoga instructor, and massage therapist, always guided by a deep spiritual path.

When I paint, I turn inward, engaging in a dialogue between my inner child and the more grounded, reflective part of myself—as a woman navigating life’s challenges, shadows, and spiritual growth. My work explores the tension between light and dark, deconstructing it until a sense of balance and peace emerges.

For the past ten years, I have been living in Sydney, where the textures of the trees and the colours of the ocean continually inspire my creativity. I teach art and yoga workshops, and when I paint, I often consider how my work can enhance interiors, interact with light, and elevate the atmosphere of a space. Nature has a profound effect on my soul, and through my artwork, I aim to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, allowing light to shine through each piece.