Deeply connected to life and its stories, I find my inspiration in traveling and learning about the lives of women across different cultures. These encounters not only fuel my creativity but also shape the essence of my work. One of the most transformative journeys I’ve taken was to the Amazon rainforest—a place where nature and humanity merge into a sacred harmony. My journey began with a flight from the United States to Brazil, landing in Manaus, the bustling gateway to the Amazon. From there, I boarded a boat on the calm, dark waters of Lake Rio Negro, journeying into the heart of the forest to meet the indigenous tribes. Every step of the way, I felt anticipation building—each mile bringing me closer to a world rich in traditions, wisdom, and stories waiting to be discovered.
While my teammates enjoyed the vibrant energy of traditional dances and music, and we all indulged in a delicious lunch of wild chicken, freshly caught fish, crabs, and other local delicacies, I was drawn to something deeper. My soul sought connection. And so, I spent most of my time with two remarkable women from the tribe, accompanied by my interpreter. Under the vast canopy of trees, surrounded by the hum of the rainforest, we began to talk. These women, with their quiet strength and open hearts, welcomed me into their world. Through their stories, I learned about their lives—stories of resilience, of motherhood, of navigating the delicate balance between preserving their heritage and embracing inevitable change. What struck me most was their extraordinary gift for storytelling. In their culture, storytelling is at the heart of everything they do. Before each dance performance, they narrate the story that inspired it, weaving a rich tapestry of meaning into every movement.
The same is true of their art. Every painting is a story—a glimpse into their daily lives, their dreams, or the vivid world of their imagination. Their paintings aren’t just visual works; they are living narratives. They capture the essence of the forest, the rhythm of their community, and the emotions that define their lives. From scenes of fishing along the riverbank to imaginative depictions of spirits guiding their paths, their art is deeply rooted in their connection to nature and their shared experiences. As we talked, I shared stories of my own journey as a woman and an artist. To my amazement, despite our vastly different lives, we found countless similarities in our experiences and struggles. It was a profound reminder that, no matter where we live, women are bound by universal themes—of strength, creativity, and the quiet determination to shape our lives and those of our loved ones. Through these conversations, I realized that the connection we, as women, share is incredibly powerful. It is through our stories—whether spoken, danced, or painted—that we heal, inspire, and complete one another.
Romantic relationships or societal expectations may offer glimpses of fulfillment, but the deepest sense of completeness comes from the connections we build with other women who understand our lives in ways that words often cannot convey. This journey into the Amazon wasn’t just about art; it was about life, humanity, and the power of stories to bring us together. The women I met reminded me of the importance of storytelling in art—a practice I now carry with me into my own work. Their wisdom, strength, and creativity have profoundly impacted me, and their stories will forever inspire my paintings. This journey has shown me that art is not just about creating—it is about connecting, learning, and celebrating the shared humanity that binds us all.