One of the first. I had a strong vision from the start, and the palette solidified without effort; the first level barometer test of determining a quilts' success.

The stripes are meticulously measured, marked, and pieced, then redone if needed. I ensured that everything was perfect-perfect before moving on to the quilting. 

The structured, calculated stripes are set against this fresh and clean white space, with an open-air vibe. I designed the quilting to offer even more contrast. The intense contrast between the rainbow and the open-air white space around it called for a whimsical, free-flowing cloud quilting design.

I love how it came out, and glad I put in the effort.

The design reminds me of how rainbows appear in the sky, requiring a whirlwind of various elements that must come together all at once, in a specific way. There's also a sense of subtle serendipity. When sunlight hits the sky following a storm just right, it will create this fantastic, fleeting, awe-inspiring sight that disappears as quickly as it appears.

I was also lucky enough to learn a valuable lesson from the experience. I decided to take a step back (physically and metaphorically) and look at my work analytically (Shocking, right? I know). After viewing it through an objective lens, I asked myself if what I'm creating speaks to me. 

This led me on a wild ride to explore my authenticity freely.

For this particular project, I spent hours navigating measurements, marking, stitching, and redoing it until it, then measuring again. It was exhausting. 

I began to wonder who I am honing in on perfection for. Turns out, it's self-imposed! Like, what's up? And perfect in terms of whaaaat... I'm not sure. Math? Markings on a ruler?

Making this wall hanging was an excellent reminder to check myself. And I'm glad I did.

Realizing that I was approaching the artistic process through a technical lens shifted my entire perspective. I was making a quilt small enough to hang on the wall rather than a piece of art.

It helped me identify some forgotten values; I am technical, yet open-minded, both an intellectual and a free-spirit,  while also detail-oriented and easy-going. I am both parts of the quilt. 

It may qualify as a self-portrait.

The swirls in the quilting are densely stitched.

Authenticity is a common theme in my work, whether it is a reference to quilting or therapy. So what does this quilt have to do with my authenticity?

It began by dropping my fear of something not being perfect and gaining the freedom to follow through with a design that speaks to me.

Leaning on perfection could be a result of being forced to do things to meet or exceed others' expectations; I know this was true for me in this case. This ultimately will lead to the loss of our authenticity. 

The rainbow softly represents the therapist in me. I take mental health and being a therapist very seriously, in a fun way. The white space represents my chill side. I'm sometimes shocked by how easy-going I am. Relaxation is a genuinely fun activity for me.

Advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community is important to me, because it is one of the most targeted populations. We should wish to be courageous enough to live our lives authentically. I also have a passion for helping those with neurodivergency, because they are super sensitive, sometimes misunderstood, and doing the best they can out in this unknown world. 

The vibrancy of the colors highlights the random vertical shifting in the white space.

There is such a strong and flawless connection between mental health and creativity, and I often encourage my clients to engage in creative self-expression. Colors are key part of creative expression (creating art) and can help us manage our trauma symptoms. Trauma is rooted in emotion, and colors support our emotional self-expression. 

Making choices to please someone other than ourselves, even seemingly simple choices, can become a source of trauma. Having the courage to be live our authenticity, then receiving criticism for it, often creates a large impact.

Living our lives to gain another's approval puts us in a place where we are unable to thrive, because that is not where we are meant to be.

If we do not feel safe to be ourselves, it directly impacts our mental health. We shutdown our emotional availability, put high-level needs on hold, and carry insecurities that don't belong to you. It's toxic, and everyone deserves more than that.  

I have a natural connection to the spiritual world and metaphysics, and, following my path of authenticity, I've leaned into it to explore its depths, and I'm loving the journey.

My authenticity is not up for discussion. It wasn't a choice; it's part of who I am. I refuse to apologize for it or modify my choices based on how it may make others feel.

Nothing personal, it has nothing to do with anyone but me.

It's just who I am: a technically-minded therapist as chill as the clouds in the sky.

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