“Painting is therapeutic for me, it reflects my emotions and has become essential to my wellbeing as I navigate the trauma of chronic illness and pain.

As a result of viral meningitis, I experienced a chronic migraine for 9 months, and lost my vision for 6 months as well, pushing my hearing to become hyper-sensitive. I began painting darker compositions with blips of brightness. These blips represented sounds that I was able to hear despite my lack of vision — sounds that added color to my world. Through the help of the Cleveland Clinic, I was able to regain my sight and returned to art with renewed motivation.

The trauma of chronic illness and pain greatly influenced my creative process. Meditation and music help me enter a desired mindset, shifting style dependent on the mental or emotional space created.

I experiment with a variety of techniques and tools, from pour painting to using paint thickener and a spatula, as well as experimenting with round brushes, sponges and aluminum foil. I likes acrylic paint because it dries fast, giving me a finite window to let out ideas.”

MJ received a 2021 VSA Emerging Artist Excellence Award from The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and has exhibited in galleries in Milan, Spain and Luxembourg.

MJ dreams of traveling the world with her art as well as owning a home one day. When she’s not creating, she loves to plant herbs, vegetables, and flowers in her garden. She also enjoys cooking, reading and cuddling with her dog, Bella.