I have been an art teacher in Ohio for over 20 years.  In the summer of 2012, I heard a street artist talk about her practice, and it sounded like what I had imagined for my own life.  I was spellbound listening to her words, and it occurred to me that although I was in an art classroom everyday, I had buried my dream of practicing art myself, and given up on the dream of ever being an artist myself.  I listened to her describe the criticism she overcame, and her determination to speak through her art, and it brought me to tears.  Finally, she made a statement about having “rhino tough” skin, and it resonated with me to the point that I began to focus on making art myself.  I was able to network with this artist, and display my work in galleries.  The anticipation of criticism from the public was both exhilarating and excruciating, and I was pleasantly surprised to have endured the experience.  I have been creating ever since.

I had to find a way to share this redeeming process of building self confidence with others!  

Through painting, I recognized my fear being exposed that kept me from completing my own work.  As I continue with a creative habit, I am becoming more vulnerable to the world, and I have found validation.  The rhino image reoccurs as a bridge between my inner sensitive self, and the outer world that I deem judgmental.  I think about what it means to stand strong enough to withstand adverse situations each time I use the rhino in my work.  Each finished artwork strengthens my resolve to create more. I channeled my sensitivity into various depictions of the rhino, as a way to escape from the fear of criticism and judgment that I found overwhelming and terrifying.