Empowering Women Through Art: Dark Humor and Sarcasm from Tough Backgrounds
Welcome to my blog, where I am dedicated to creating art, sharing my journey and the inspiration behind my work. My art is for women who come from tough backgrounds and find solace in dark humor and sarcasm. Through my illustrations, I aim to provide the support I never had, creating a space where you can feel understood, empowered, and inspired.
Growing Up Alone: My Story
Growing up, I often felt like an outsider in my own family. Despite having parents, a sister, and extended family, there was no one I could truly depend on or confide in without fearing it would make things worse. Trust was a rare commodity in my household. My experiences made me tough and independent but also left me feeling isolated, unloved, and unsupported.
As a child in the 80s, the mantra was that kids should be seen and not heard. Speaking up was often met with harsh consequences. In my house, silence was golden unless you were being reprimanded or given chores. My mother ruled with an iron fist, and my role was to take care of the house, my sister, and my dad. Even when I did things perfectly, satisfaction was rare, and punishment was a frequent visitor.
When my sister was born, she became the center of attention, and nothing I did seemed right. This dynamic only fueled my feelings of inadequacy and resentment. By the time I reached my teenage years, I was a whirlwind of anger and rebellion. I didn’t get into legal trouble, but my smart mouth and quick comebacks often landed me in hot water. My parents divorced when I was 16, and I chose to live with other family members who also found my sarcasm hard to handle.
Finding My Match
At 18, I met the love of my life; the yin to my yang. Our relationship is built on a foundation of dark humor and playful sarcasm. Even after 25 years, we engage in daily battles of wit that keep our connection strong and vibrant. Our playful jabs and dirty jokes may seem messy to outsiders, but they are a testament to our love and understanding of each other.
Our youngest son often remarks that we’re a mess, but we’re a mess together, and it works for us. My husband is my best friend, the rock that grounds me, and the only person who can truly match my sarcasm. He has the strongest shoulders, the softest hands, and the biggest heart. His patience and understanding are vital, especially when dealing with someone who has my background.
Why I Create Art
I channel my experiences and emotions into my art, creating pieces that resonate with women who have faced similar struggles. My art is not about pretty pictures of puppies and kittens; it’s about the raw, unfiltered reality of life. I use dark humor and sarcasm to express my frustration with the world’s injustices and to provide a voice for those who feel unheard.
My art is for the little girl in me who felt unloved and unsupported. It’s for the women who believe they don’t deserve better. You do. You deserve so much more than you think. Your past doesn’t have to be your prison; it can be your fuel. When I first started illustrating, I drew sweet, innocent images, but the harsh realities of the world pushed me to create something more meaningful.
And I’m 100% self-taught. I did go to college but I went to college for web design and marketing. I taught myself how to draw while I was in college so believe me, if I can do it, so can you. I believe in you – but you have to believe in you, too!
Turning Pain into Purpose
My journey has been anything but easy. I’ve faced countless challenges and hardships, but I’ve also learned that my past does not define me. It fuels me. I use my art to push back against the injustices I see every day. Kids are being hurt, homeless people, elderly, veterans are all being ignored, and politicians are wreaking havoc. My art is my way of fighting back, of saying that I’m tired of living in a delusional, rainbow-filled world.
Life is gritty and real, and my art reflects that. I’ve lived through hell, and I refuse to forget where I came from. Some people might think I have a bad attitude or that I’m mean and heartless. But people’s opinions of me are none of my business. I create my art for me and for the person who believes they don’t deserve better.
Support and Empowerment Through Art
I know what it feels like to grow up feeling alone, lost, and unloved. Before I turned 18, there were only three people in my life who made me feel truly loved: my grandfather, my great-grandmother, and my step-grandmother. My grandfather was a remarkable man who served in the Navy and fought in Korea. He made furniture with his bare hands, took care of his family and me, and always made me feel special. My great-grandmother, a fiery 5’0” Irish woman, had a temper that I believe I inherited. And my step-grandmother taught me everything my parents should have. Things like how to read, to write, tie my shoes, manners, etc.
These three people showed me what love and support feel like. They are the reason I know that you deserve everything you want and more. Regardless of where you come from, whether it’s a life of privilege or humble beginnings, you’re not alone. You deserve to achieve your dreams, and I’m here to support you.
Why I’m Here
I’m here to help you believe in yourself. To inspire you to not give up, to not give in to the voices that tell you you’re not good enough. I’m the support that I didn’t have growing up. My story is one of resilience, and my art reflects that. Together, we can face the challenges of life with strength, humor, and a little bit of sarcasm.
Join Me on This Journey
Follow my blog to stay inspired and empowered. Through my art and my story, I hope to provide a space where you feel understood, supported, and encouraged to pursue your dreams. Whether you’re dealing with the pain of a tough childhood or the frustrations of everyday life, my art is here to remind you that you’re not alone.
Conclusion
Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to read my story. My art is a reflection of my journey and my hope to provide support and empowerment to women who need it most. If you connect with my work, please share it with others who might benefit from a dose of dark humor and sarcasm. Together, we can create a community of strong, resilient women who support each other through life’s challenges.
Remember, your past doesn’t define you. It fuels you. And I believe that with determination, hard work, and of course dark humor, and sarcasm, you can accomplish anything. Let’s face the world together, one piece of sarcastic art at a time.