Black Lives Matter Fundraiser

"No." 

I was furious—I'd just asked my parents for permission to go to a Black Lives Matter protest. How could they not understand that it was my duty to speak up for those less privileged than myself, a person of color who didn't have to experience what Black people like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others had to face every waking moment of their lives? 

Silently, I fumed about it for a few days. And then I came up with a plan.

I'd just finished a few small portraits, as well as my first large portrait of my friend Jasmina (in the eye of the storm, which can be viewed below), so I decided to use my painting skills for a fundraiser. It was about time I figured out a way to give back to the community; I'd always been insecure about and accused of only taking actions for my own selfish desires. 

Three months, seven portraits, and two landscapes later, I'd donated $455 to SMYAL, the Loveland Foundation, and the Black Artists' and Designers' Guild.

Instead of stopping at "no", I overcame my insecurities and made use of my time, skills, and resources as a more privileged individual to lend a hand to the empowerment of Black and LGBTQA+ communities.

Below are the nine commissioned works from which the proceeds were donated. The receipts for donations, as well as the partner matches from Starbucks, are in my “blm fundraiser” highlight on my Instagram.

I am forever grateful to have had this opportunity, and thank you again to everyone who contributed to this fundraiser by commissioning me and always supporting me. <3