They say that even the brightest flowers must grow through darkness. This past year, I experienced the most profound loss of my life when my mom passed away due to complications from leukemia. In the weeks that followed, I found myself wanting to create something in her memory—something that reflected the beauty she brought into the world. Her birthday was in April, and butterflies, which she loved, always remind me of her.

Drawing was a therapeutic process for me, a way to channel my grief into something beautiful. It also planted the seed for a new project: creating an illustration based on the flowers of each month of the year. The first piece in the series, Sweet Peas & Daisies, is dedicated to my mom, a tribute to her, and a reminder that even in the hardest moments, we can find beauty and light.

This collection, which I’ve named In Full Bloom, is a way to honor her memory and celebrate life in all its seasons.