Mark-making and texture have always been central to my artistic practice, serving as both a creative expression and a meditative practice. The repetitive act of creating intricate details, often in the form of fur, became a therapeutic ritual for me during times of stress. This body of work began as an exploration of letting go—abandoning the pursuit of perfect, realistic wildlife portraits in favor of embracing the calming “doodles” that I would instinctively create. My goal was to create a surreal and abstract world of "fur creatures," inspired by my deep connection to the natural world.

As I developed this series, a significant life event shifted its direction, leading to the most personal work I've ever created. I began to merge my abstract, nature-inspired illustrations with emotion drawings and emotions tracking,—a process that helped me navigate the profound and sudden changes in my life. This fusion resulted in a mythical world of “fur creatures” with greater depth and meaning.

Emotions are not exclusive to humans; they permeate the natural world in ways that are both subtle and profound. Flora and fauna each express emotions in their own unique ways, reflecting the complex emotional landscapes we often attribute solely to ourselves. Plants that have stunted growth from stress or release pheromones when damaged, insects that learn behaviors from pleasure or pain, crows remembering when you have done them wrong, frantic gosling parents trying to save their chick that was hit by a car, or your dog being excited for you to come home. All of these examples speak to a shared emotional experience of the world, and how different species use their emotions to help them navigate it. This is something I kept in mind while I surrounded myself with nature to help me navigate my new life trajectory.

For me, this process has been a form of art therapy—a way to process my emotions, understand them better, and draw joy from nature. While I do not wish the emotional turmoil I have faced upon anyone, I do hope you find a personal connection to these pieces. My hope is that you leave this exhibition feeling seen, understanding that you are not alone in your experiences. While each journey is unique, our emotions connect us all.