I was trying to depict how insane the standards women are held to in comparison to men are. Whats odd is that we live up to them, flawlessly, and still this is the "normal". Tirelessly being paid a third less to do the same job, often times better because we have to be better to survive. Dressed "just so" to present as confident, capable, beautiful, but never threatening. Typing this out makes me cry because its all so true. I see it every day walking the streets of Manhattan and it really hurts my heart.
Laura Dern has an excellent monologue in the film 'Marriage Story' that really sums up what Im trying to articulate. This is why I paint.

" We can accept an imperfect dad. Let's face it, the idea of a good father was only invented like 30 years ago. Before that, fathers were expected to be silent and absent and unreliable and selfish, and we can all say we want them to be different. But on some basic level, we accept them. We love them for their fallibilities, but people absolutely don't accept those same failings in mothers. We don't accept it structurally and we don't accept it spiritually. Because the basis of our Judeo-Christian whatever is Mary, Mother of Jesus, and she's perfect. She's a virgin who gives birth, unwaveringly supports her child and holds his dead body when he's gone. And the dad isn't there. He didn't even do the fucking. God is in heaven. God is the father and God didn't show up. So, you have to be perfect, and Charlie can be a fuck up and it doesn't matter. You will always be held to a different, higher standard. And it's fucked up, but that's the way it is." -Marriage Story

“I mean it’s Rihanna, she is literally is the pink print of SHE.E.O and my favorite Pisces to look up to.
This one, I was watching White Lotus and got very into the mise en scène! I liked the tropically eerie soundtrack, overly ornate wall papers in contrast to the natural elegance of the ocean; the light fixtures in each room.
I love work like that, that captivates my eye like candy or a puzzle. Sofia Coppola's 'Marie Antoinette' was the first time I noticed this in myself. With the cognition of a 14 year old I rudimentarily understood I was obsessive over the details in cinema. So much so I minored in cinematic history.
- Kelly

“I do love couture as an art form. This one I painted for myself around Valentines day. I was single at the time and wanted to celebrate me! Women can do that everyday for it is always a choice to be happy and grateful. That power comes in handy particularly in the darkest times. We are our own lights. “

-Kelly

“I do love Renaissance or holy art-inspired fashion. It’s such a tongue-in-cheek way to confront the patriarchy. Raised Roman Catholic, so the imagery was always there. My formative years were on an Italian orchard outside Aviano. This piece took six months to complete. It blends the ideologies of my current witchy spiritually with two things I adore to hate, the patriarchy and catholic guilt. All while playing with it in motifs I adore via Dolce and Gabbana’s Fall 2018 line.”
- Kelly

“Black women, black fashion, black elegance, black food, black pride and power, black community, black swag, black music. BLACK is beautiful and should be celebrated every day.
Teaching in the Bronx and Brownsville I had the pleasure of working with some amazing black women. Miss F and Miss Z inspired me everyday to own my self, my body, my choices, and to never apologize to someone who does not treat me with respect. You can forgive and move on without apologizing, it really is that simple. Miss Z told me "you can cry to your girls or your mama, but don't you ever let them see that crown slip." I loved that and how open and direct she is with her own feelings.”

-Kelly

“I was thinking of when your at a diner or late night spot after a night of dancing and getting rowdy with your girls. That exhausted, elated, bubbly come down when you relive all the moments of the night together.” -Kelly

“This one, I was thinking of how it feels when I treat myself to a big morning breakfast by myself with a book, my journal, and the paper. I loved doing that when I lived in London after a long night working at Trisha’s on Greek Street.” - Kelly

“This one is inspired by the empire Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have built for themselves. ‘No is a complete sentence’ - Anne Lamott. I read that quote in an interview in Vogue from these witchy inspiring twins. ”

-Kelly