In this Vale of Tears was written as a difficult chapter of my life was closing. This time included separating from my partner, a forced reevaluation of several important friendships, and my father’s cancer diagnosis. As these events unfolded, I found solace in quiet moments and the beauty of rain.

Rainy days have always felt magical to me—as though they hide some mystical energy. Rain, like humans, can be destructive and terrifying, yet it is also delicate, cleansing, and life-giving. In this space I sought to express this juxtaposition through aggressive bursts and misaligned gestures that frame a peaceful moment—as though one stood with their eyes and arms open towards the heavens during soft rain. (January, 2024)