2017  •  36 x 48"  Show size

Acrylic on hardboard

Some may not know this, but my paintings' titles are completely made up (could you guess?). After I finish a painting, I stand back, look at it, and whatever sound comes out of my mouth is its title. But this one came from somewhere special. In 2017, I transitioned my career from music business to focus on youth work. I nannied for a wonderful family with two children during that time, and while pursuing my master's. I was drawing an elephant in sidewalk chalk one day for the 3 year-old and I asked him what he wanted to name it. He said "Zubey Mama Yoop" - obviously neither of us knew the spelling or the reason (similar to the names of my own artwork). When I finished this painting, I felt like it had a little playful aesthetic with the 🌈 colors and I decided to name it "Zubey" after the chalk elephant, and my growing appreciation for kiddos. Their free spirits, imagination, and awe of the world is inspirational to me.