Parkinson’s Journey

Aloha, dear friends and art collectors,

Many of you know that last year I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Hearing those words was one of the hardest moments of my life. My father had Parkinson’s, so I knew firsthand how difficult this disease can be. When I was diagnosed, I couldn’t help but wonder what my future might look like.

Over the past year, though, something unexpected has happened.

I’ve found steady ground again.

I’ve created a home that brings me peace. I’ve found an incredible medical team, and every day I’m doing everything I can to stay healthy, strong, and moving forward.

This journey has also taught me a lot about people. There have been some disappointments, and not everyone I thought would be there has been. But the people who have shown up have wrapped me in love, kindness, and support. They know who they are, and I will always be grateful.

One thing I never expected was the clarity that comes with living with a chronic disease.

When you’re reminded that life isn’t guaranteed, you start seeing everything differently. The little things don’t seem so important anymore, and the things that truly matter become crystal clear.

For me, that’s the people I love, my home, my beloved dog Jesse James, and my art.

If anything, Parkinson’s has made me appreciate painting even more.

Some parts of creating are more challenging now, and I’ve had to learn new ways of working. But I’m also more curious than ever. I want to keep learning, think more deeply about what I’m creating, and bring all of that thought and discovery onto the canvas.

I’m excited about the ideas I’m exploring, the different subjects that are calling to me, and the new ways I’m learning to express what I see and feel. In an unexpected way, this chapter has opened a new creative door.

Every day I walk into my studio feels like a gift. I don’t take that for granted anymore. Every painting has become a little more meaningful because I know how precious each day really is.

My dream is to become the very best artist I can be.

I still have so much I want to paint, so much I want to learn, and so much beauty I hope to share. I look forward to seeing where this next chapter takes me, both as an artist and as a person.

Thank you for following my journey and for supporting my artwork over the years. Your encouragement means more than you know, and I look forward to sharing this next chapter with you.