I founded The Aplomb Project to ensure every trauma survivor who is ready for a portrait celebrating their strength has the opportunity to work with me to see themselves as inspiring and brave. Donations allow us to give each painting to a survivor without a limiting financial barrier. Beyond the paintings, tax-deductible gifts help grow the resulting community creating a safe space for trauma survivors, artists and allies. By fostering ongoing connections and hosting events we are able to uplift and inspire so many. I am so appreciative of all of the artists who have volunteered to make work today and every donor who is helping support our mission!

I am going to be painting a blue heron in gouache based on a photograph by Maria Moyser. Find my resulting painting available in the online auction the next day!

After seeing a blue heron very close in the woods on a walk with my friend Reid Amy, I decided to look up if there was any symbolism attached. Turns out - yes, and it goes along so well with what the Aplomb Project highlights:

According to North American Native tradition, the Blue Heron brings messages of self-determination and self-reliance. They represent an ability to progress and evolve. The long thin legs of the heron reflect that an individual doesn't need great massive pillars to remain stable, but must be able to stand on one's own.