Fallopian Blooms, 11 x 7 inches. Watercolor.
In August 2020 I was diagnosed with endometriosis, having a cyst that was 8x9x11 cm. Removal of cysts is suggested at 4 cm and larger. I had my surgery in April 2021 and upon awakening the entire ovary and fallopian tube was removed because there were more abnormal growths than thought. The physical healing was easy but the internal healing was more challenging for me, and I struggled with feelings of betrayal from my very own body. I posted about it on social media and was shocked at how many friends also had endometriosis or pelvic pain conditions. Three of my friends even had the same surgery I had! We had amazing conversations, shared knowledge, and I’m sure others benefitted from our discussions. It ignited personal research into reproductive health, what my disease was, and what others could potentially have. The more I learned about polyps, cancers and cysts, the more I wanted to share healing, comfort and strength. The skulls represent different illnesses and the locations they could be, such as endometriosis, cysts, or fibroids. The botanicals are based on the Victorian Flower Language, aiming to inspire hope, strength, and healing after diagnosis and recovery.
A list of the anatomical diseases, skulls, botanicals, and Victorian Flower Language symbolism:
Going roughly clockwise, a fundal subserosal (fibroid or tumor) is a horse skull, underneath a pedunculated submucosal macaw, inside the ovary is a large endometrioma/ dog skull, a submucosal cat skull, underneath a cervix carcinoma lemur, subserosal beaver, above a polyp burrowing owl, moving over to the other ovary more endometriosis combination of otter, badger, mink, and ferret, and lastly along the top of the fallopian tube, more endometriosis shrew and mouse skulls.
Again, roughly clockwise is edelweiss: courage and daring, laurel leaf: glory and success, speedwell flower: healing and recovery, oak leaf: bravery, eglantine rose: a wound to heal, hyssop: cleanliness and sacrifice, chamomile: energy and healing, heather: luck and protection, yarrow: cure and healing, mint: consolation, lily of the valley: return to happiness, more hyssop, protea flower: transformation, more oak, hawthorne flowers: hope and fertility, then more laurel!
Watercolor, 18 x 24 inches,
The first piece of a new series reflecting on my inner struggles and reaction to true loss.
Please scroll down for additional detail photos.
Peony Deer. Watercolor. 11 x 7 inches.
A portrait of a female deer, with mushroom antlers and covered with peonies.
(Middle Image)
Nephthytis Impala. Watercolor, 11 x 7 inches,
Another portrait, this time of a female impala covered with Nephthytis leaves
(Bottom Image)
Brimstone Gras Impala. Watercolor, 12 x 15 inches,
Impala horns paired with Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) and Common Grass Yellow (Eurema hecabe) butterflies.
