FLORAL SKULLS SERIES 1

In late October 2024, my Aunt Donna passed away following her courageous fight against cancer, just as her mother (my grandmother) had done before her. In her final days, she was surrounded by family, receiving care and support as we kept vigil by her side. During this time, and in the weeks that followed, I began to reflect on how my Aunt Donna’s passing seemed to bring the family closer together. As we started to process our grief together, I gained a deeper insight into how losing mothers to cancer before their time through multiple generations had subconsciously affected the dynamics in my family. 

This journey led me to contemplate the maternal cancer spiral that has woven through my family's history, filled with both beauty and sorrow—love intertwined with death. It’s in those moments of reflection and deep meditation that we begin to see how everything connects, revealing the clear image right before coming through the distant echoes of time. 

Seeking to creatively work through this pain, I started by incorporating the flowers from my Aunt Donna’s funeral to craft Memento Mori still lifes. Drawing from various creative influences and my experiences with death culture, I developed the visual language for these pieces. My extensive travels in Mexico allowed me to witness the profound power and beauty of Día de Los Muertos. This celebration captures both the splendor of one’s life and while honoring the grief of their passing.