My origin story begins with a pivotal moment of transformation: the day my family left the bustling energy of a big city and moved to the quiet charm of a small country town. I was just seven years old, a child trying to adjust to an entirely new way of living. The transition was overwhelming, to say the least. The fast-paced rhythm of city life, with its noise and constant motion, was replaced by train tracks, open skies, and a serene stillness that felt both foreign and isolating.

In those early days, everything about the small-town life seemed unfamiliar. But instead of feeling lost, I found solace in art. Picking up watercolor painting became my way of familiarizing myself with this new environment. I focused on landscapes, capturing the beauty of the nature around me—fields of flowers, towering trees, and the endless blue skies. Each brushstroke was an attempt to connect with my surroundings, to make sense of this new chapter in my life. Art became my refuge, a bridge between me and the world I was learning to call home.

At first, my paintings were deeply personal. They were a way to process the changes I was experiencing, a way to find peace amidst the chaos of adjustment. But as I grew older, art evolved into something more than a coping mechanism. It became a way to communicate, to connect with others, and to tell stories that resonated far beyond my own experiences. I began to see how art could capture emotions, validate feelings, and create a sense of belonging for anyone who viewed it.

Dreams started to form. As a child, the idea of owning my own art gallery seemed like an impossible "what if," a fantasy reserved for daydreams. But over time, that dream became a goal—a vision of a space where creativity thrives and people connect through art. I imagined a gallery and cafe where artists could express themselves without fear or judgment, a space that felt like home.

Today, that dream feels closer than ever. This December, my art will be on display at the Day’s Town Cafe. It’s not yet the gallery I envisioned, but it’s a significant milestone, a reminder of how far I’ve come. This opportunity is proof that the seeds of my childhood aspirations are beginning to bloom.

My origin story is one of transformation and resilience. Moving to a small town may have seemed like a challenge at first, but it laid the foundation for my artistic journey. It taught me to find beauty in stillness, to use creativity as a tool for connection, and to turn change into inspiration. Through art, I’ve not only created a space for myself in the world but also a way to connect with others, offering them a chance to see their emotions reflected and validated. Every piece I create, every milestone I reach, brings me one step closer to making my dream of a gallery and cafe a reality—a space where art truly has the power to inspire

and unite.