I have a difficult time calling the birthing process ugly, but I feel as though many parts of it are. From unwanted pregnancies, vagrant fathers, to children that are the 'wrong'sex' birthing is fraught with ugly issues, but there is still an inherent beauty in a new life. This particular painting is a less literal reflection on the birthing process. It reflects myself giving birth to myself with all the ugliness and beauty that the birthing process entails. For a woman to become beautiful to themselves and see the inherent beauty of life, means acceptance of both the pretty and the ugly bits that make up oneself.

Collage and encaustic