“Community” is a handcut paper collage exploring feminine support, child loss, grief, and hope. At its center, a child holds a butterfly—symbolizing transformation and the fragility of life—surrounded by women cloaked in fabric, their faces reflecting sorrow, strength, and deep maternal wisdom. These women form a quiet, protective presence, embodying the collective resilience of women across generations. Woven tree branches and yellow blossoms emerge among them, representing growth and renewal, while elements like a blue butterfly and a symbolic hand evoke spiritual connection and healing. Through its layered imagery, Community speaks to the way grief is softened by shared experience, and how even in mourning, the presence of others can bring light, remembrance, and the quiet promise of hope.

This is my first paper collage I made in nearly 2 1/2 months and my first one since moving to Colorado. I wasn’t feeling like a real artist because I’ve been so busy this year prepping for my move here and I didn’t have the time/energy to make collages.

Working on a paper collage is a lot of work because I only use paper (it’s my preferred medium as it honors my love for the trees and my childhood) and a collage takes hours, even days.

While I respect digital collage for its accessibility and environmental footprint, I’m personally not a fan for my art because I don’t like how perfect it feels, and to me, it feels too easy, so I wouldn’t do that. But now that things are slowly starting to calm down for me, I now have the space to meditate and create again.

And the wisest human I know (@kris.ekko) told me recently, “You are something NOT based on how often you do something, but based on that fact that you CAN do it.”