I am an artist who temporarily closed my studio in 2025 due to financial hardship, having received the opportunity to spend time at an artist retreat. What started as a short break became a much longer journey when my finances took a turn for the worse. Losing a key client eliminated the income I was counting on to get back on my feet. I chose to stay at the retreat to help the owner through a liver transplant—a long and challenging process. But with the economy and other factors, my financial situation has become even more precarious. Now, I am at risk of losing my art, my materials, my books, and essentially my retirement and future in one fell swoop.

A big part of my life and work is the flock of re-homed parrots I share my space with. Since I work from home, I am able to be with the flock 24/7. They participate in all aspects of my art and life, and their presence is important for their health and well-being. These smart, long-living animals have become a great influence on my world view, and the way the flock works together and sees the world shows up in the way I construct my paintings and experience my subjects.

The funds raised here will allow me to get all my possessions out of storage and back into my studio, so I can return to my work and my passion. It will help me stop paying for storage rental and begin repaying the enormous debts I've accumulated. Most importantly, it will help relieve the mind-numbing stress that has come with these challenges and give me hope for the future. It will also help me continue caring for my flock, who are an essential part of my daily life and creative process.

I am deeply grateful for any support you can offer. Your generosity will not only help me reclaim my art and my future, but also allow me to continue creating and sharing my work with the world. Looking forward to sharing with you.