Inspiration:

This piece talks about the feeling of putting on a brave, strong face while quietly falling apart on the inside. As a man, this is common place, we’re taught this in many ways and everyday life, society reinforces it. (I know the feeling isn’t exclusive to men).

That weight as a husband and father to take care of the family, providing, worrying about everything and just trying to hold it all together, it takes a toll.. From afar everything looks fine, but when you get close you realize, the vase is cardboard, the flowers are cardboard. The birds are paper mache. Nothing in this painting is what it seems — just like what we show the world versus what we actually feel.

This piece is a reminder that not everything is always what it seems. You’re comparing yourself and your life to strangers highlight reels on social media, but they may be putting on that same strong face, just like you.. Being strong isn’t having everything figured out.. Success isn’t how much money is in the bank.. And trusting someone enough to be vulnerable isn’t a weakness..