The Millennial Mom series explores the undercurrent of everyday suffering caused by ego and our unconsciousness regarding illusions. This tale is told in four parts: Myth, Descent, Darkness, and Light.
I. MYTH
The seeking of happiness through validation, dressed up as the pursuit of perfection.
Superkids = Supermom, 2017, oil on canvas, 101.6 x 76.2 cm, 40 x 30 inMillennial Mom Battles Mediocrity, 2017, oil on canvas, 76.2 x 121.9 cm, 30 x 48 inMillennial Mom Reports to Government HQ, 2016, oil on canvas, 76.2 x 101.6 cm, 30 x 40 in
II. DESCENT
Cracks appear, in the Myth. Life is not what we thought it was going to be. We feel alone and afraid, and to blame, for we are somehow not good enough. We run from our pain, and try to numb it out.
I Have a Problem with Fantasy, 2017, oil on canvas, 121.9 x 91.4 cm, 48 x 36 inMillennial Mom Battles the Dungeon Demon, 2016, oil on canvas, 91.4 x 121.9 cm, 36 x 48 inI Wonder if I Would Feel Safe There?, 2016, oil on canvas, 61 x 121.9 cm, 24 x 48 in
The main affliction of our modern civilization is that we don’t know how to handle the suffering inside us and we try to cover it up with all kinds of consumption.
— Thich Nhat Hanh
Millennial Mom Battles the Sweet Demon, 2019, oil on canvas, 40.6 x 121.9 cm, 16 x 48 inSigh…It’s No Batmobile, 2017, oil on canvas, 76.2 x 121.9 cm, 30 x 48 inMillennial Mom Wrestles the Demon Fear, 2017, oil on canvas, 76.2 x 101.6 cm, 30 x 40 in
III. DARKNESS
Anger. Resentment. Criticism and blame. Numbing out. Distraction. Disengagement.
Our resistance to what is.
I Didn’t See This Coming, 2017, oil on canvas, 121.9 x 121.9 cm, 48 x 48 inThy Will Is Hard, 2018, oil on canvas, 61 x 91.4 cm, 24 x 36 inI Didn’t Think It Would Be Like This, 2019, oil on canvas, 61 x 121.9 cm, 24 x 48 inI Wish I Didn’t Have to Be the Strong One, 2016, oil on canvas, 121.9 x 121.9 cm, 48 x 48 inI’m Not a Princess, 2017, oil on canvas, 91.4 x 91.4 cm, 36 x 36 inThis is Not a Fairytale, 2017, oil on canvas, 91.4 x 91.4 cm, 36 x 36 in
IV. LIGHT
Only in leaning in to our suffering does our grief transform into the final chapter, where awareness and compassion lead us to find peace, acceptance and love.
Know thyself.
— Socrates
Forgive Me, 2017, oil on canvas, 76.2 x 61 cm, 30 x 24 in
Millennial Mom Surrenders, 2017, oil on canvas, 121.9 x 121.9 cm, 48 x 48 inAsk. Let Go. Listen, 2018, oil on canvas, 91.4 x 61 cm, 36 x 24 inLoving Can Hurt, 2017, oil on canvas, 61 x 121.9 cm, 24 x 48 inMillennial Mom Battles Monkey Mind, 2016, oil on canvas, 121.9 x 121.9 cm, 48 x 48 inLove Yourself First, 2018, oil on canvas, 91.4 x 121.9 cm, 36 x 48 inThere Will Be an Answer, 2016, oil on canvas,121.9 x 152.4 cm, 48 x 60 inDream Bravely. Go After What You Want., 2017, oil on canvas, 76.2 x 61 cm, 30 x 24 inMay You Be Safe and Protected, 2017, oil on canvas, 121.9 x 91.4 cm, 48 x 36 inOur Playing Small Does Not Serve the World, 2015, oil on canvas, 76.2 x 61 cm, 30 x 24 in