Grandparents - This is a portrait of my grandparents, another piece of mine inspired by Frida Kahlo. From left to right, my grandpa in CA in first, then my CA grandma, then my Ma-Ma in LA is next as a watering can, and my Pa-Pa (my dad’s dad) is last. The chain across signifies the family, and the loops downward signify the generations. The charms on the bracelet are my parents (My mother is an elephant, one of her favorite animals, and my father is a jar of mayonnaise), and my brother and sister and myself (my brother and sister are hearts in primary colors, able to make any color they wish, and I am a paintbrush).

My grandfather in CA in a chess piece. This is so appropriate, and came to me in a dream one night. I wrote a piece about it, and then did this painting. My grandma, one of my most trusted allies, is an orchid. She grows orchids and has for as long as I can remember. Every year she blooms more beautifully than the last, always full of life lessons and encouragement. My Ma-Ma, the grandma in LA I am closest to, is a watering can, pouring out love for me. My Pa-Pa is a slow and steady turtle, headed along the only path he sees, towards the brightest sun and beyond. My grandparents have had strong effects on my life, and I hold them all very close to my heart.