I love this piece for the reminder it gives me. As a recovering perfectionist who has always believed love and affection are directly correlated to how well I can perform my way through life, the simple act of allowing painter's tape to live and make a home in this piece feels like a beautiful rebellion. Initially, I had plans to remove it. Tape is almost always part of the process. And while I absolutely love the clean lines and the order it allows, in this piece specifically, I wanted to lift the veil into the process of making this piece. Here, you get to see not only the beautiful result, but also the messy middle. We each get to be, just as we are. No need to polish up or perform in order to receive love. The messiest versions of us are often the most beautiful.

acrylic, embroidery thread and tape on foamboard with custom wood frame

32x42