Visual Art – Raleigh

I am a self-taught artist and licensed mental health therapist. I use paint to work through emotions for myself and those around me. I live in Winston Salem, NC with my partner Shawn and two cats, Jana and Larry. The cats love to contribute their fluff to a painting and sometimes even sign the work. One of my missions is to provide counseling that is affordable, so people who need it can access mental health care. Making and selling art off-sets the cost, making it so I can provide services to more people. The name Amaranth Arts comes from a fable attributed to Aesop called the Amaranth and the Rose. In a beautiful spring garden, Amaranth watches Rose. One day, Amaranth goes to Rose and says "Dear Rose, I envy you. Everyone says how beautiful you are, and your scent inspires poetry." Rose pauses, taking in what Amaranth has said. When Rose speaks, her voice is soft and kind. "It's true," Rose says, "others admire my beauty. However, it comes with a great price. My beauty is fleeting. I bloom and quickly wilt and die. You, dear Amaranth, have beauty that is everlasting." The name Amaranth means "everlasting flower." The brilliant color of Amaranth flowers last long after they are picked and dried. For me, this fable teaches about acceptance of ourselves and our own unique qualities. It can help us love ourselves and our lives, rather than wasting energy watching beautiful others that might have their own problems. My art allows me to forever bloom in my own way.