“Butterfly Kisses is a pretty straight-forward piece. I created this wanting to show the familial bond between my mom and I. I take a lot of influence from her when it comes to humor, fashion, interest’s, etc. The photo was taken by my dad when we were at a local fair. The butterfly connecting into a whole one really caught my attention–and to me, it felt like it portrayed my mom and I as a part of each other. In many ways, I feel like so much of who I am has been shaped by her presence in my life. This piece leaves an imprint of me because it reflects how I see identity– not as something formed alone, but as something built through the people who raise and influence us. Creating it allowed me to express that I am both my own person and an extension of the love and lessons she has given me.”