This unique 3D wall art was crafted for the California Audiologist Association Convention in 2024. Made from paper mache, this anatomical representation of the human ear offers a whimsical journey of sound as musical notes travel through the ear canal, pass the eardrum and ear bones, and finally reach the cochlea. The cochlea itself features a rechargeable lighting system with multiple modes, bringing this educational piece to life.
“Only Within” is a self-portrait capturing a deeply personal moment of introspection and connection with music. One late afternoon, I sat on the bathroom floor...
“Only Within” is a large self-portrait capturing a deeply personal moment of introspection and connection with music. One late afternoon, I sat on the bathroom floor with my guitar, bathed in the warm, golden hues of the sunset light streaming through the window above the bathtub.
In that quiet solitude, I removed my hearing devices, allowing myself to fully embrace the vibrations of my guitar. If I didn’t have the nerves in my cochleas, I would experience only the resonance, the deep, physical connection to the music within me. This painting reflects that intimate journey, where sound becomes something I feel rather than hear, turning music into a sensory experience that exists only within.
Meet Jay, a vibrant marionette inspired by my son—a smart, funny, and endlessly energetic little boy. Born deaf in both ears and diagnosed with ADHD, Jay’s constant movement and zest for life were the perfect inspiration for this playful creation. Just like my real-life Jay, this marionette is never still—its fluid movements, from winking to walking, truly bring it to life.
Creating this piece for the MyLuckyEars series was a joyful challenge, and watching Jay interact with his miniature counterpart was even more rewarding. This marionette captures the essence of his unstoppable energy and unique personality.
This captivating mixed media wall sculpture tells a heartfelt story of resilience, connection, and advocacy. The piece features a little girl with Microtia, gazing out a window, wearing a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA). Sitting delicately atop her hearing device is a whimsical Microtia Elf butterfly, symbolizing hope and transformation.
Originally created to honor Microtia Awareness Day on November 9th, this artwork sheds light on conductive hearing loss often associated with Microtia. Inspired by countless individuals who thrive with BAHA devices, the piece is a tribute to their strength and courage.
The sculpture gained recognition from Melissa Tumblin, founder of the Ear Community Organization, whose mission has supported thousands of individuals with Microtia and Atresia since 2010. When Oticon Medical acquired the piece for their New Jersey office, it was redesigned to reflect Ally, Melissa’s daughter and the foundation’s poster child. The doll’s ear and hearing aid were updated to resemble Ally’s own Ponto Plus, with the Microtia Elf butterfly symbolizing the unique beauty of her journey.
This piece is a testament to the transformative power of advocacy, art, and community, celebrating the beauty and strength of those with hearing differences. Though the sculpture has been sold, its message continues to inspire and connect people worldwide.
This sculpture embodies the journey of stepping out of the comfort zone and embracing personal empowerment. For years, I hid under the guise of my hearing loss, using it as a reason to remain within the safety of my own cochlear shell. Overcoming the fear of being seen and transforming my disability into a source of strength rather than limitation was a profound lesson, earned through perseverance and milestones.
This piece symbolizes the triumph of taking charge of one’s life, refusing to let any disability—physical, mental, or emotional—stand in the way of pursuing dreams and ambitions. It celebrates the courage it takes to shed self-doubt and embrace the world with newfound confidence.
“Out of the Cochlear Shell” was the culmination of my “Weekly Letting Go” project, a creative challenge where I completed one piece of art each week for 12 weeks. Free of self-judgment, I explored various mediums and themes, allowing the process to guide me. This experience broke the cycle of procrastination and self-sabotage, giving me the freedom to create despite fear or uncertainty.
This sculpture not only represents my personal growth but also invites others to find the strength to step out of their own shells and live boldly.
A heartfelt mixed media painting that celebrates the resilience, joy, and light embodied by Clara, a little girl whose remarkable journey inspires many. This piece depicts a doll-like Clara, wearing her hearing aids, sitting atop a vibrant sunflower in a vast sunflower field. The sunflower, symbolizing strength, positivity, and unwavering growth, serves as a tribute to Clara’s incredible spirit and her family’s enduring love.
Clara’s story began in Brazil, where she was born prematurely at just 24 weeks, weighing only 465 grams (just over 1 pound). Despite the immense challenges she faced, including surgeries, complications, and a profound deafness diagnosis, Clara has triumphed over adversity. Now 3 years old, she is a bright and joyful child who loves books, music, and spreading sunshine wherever she goes.
This artwork honors Clara’s journey and the hope she brings to countless families of premature babies. It is a powerful reminder of the light within all of us and the miracles that perseverance and love can create.
Original mixed media painting that celebrates resilience, individuality, and the boundless potential within us all. Inspired by Gerard, a young boy who embodies determination and self-confidence, this artwork depicts him overcoming hurdles, climbing mountains, and soaring away from his wheelchair toward a radiant future.
Gerard is shown wearing cochlear implants, with wings sprouting from his ears, symbolizing his ability to break barriers and fly to the places he chooses. The piece beautifully reflects his journey of embracing who he is—unapologetically and unashamedly—while paying homage to his strength and the love and pride his family has for him.
Perfect for anyone inspired by stories of courage and individuality, “Flying Places” is a heartfelt tribute to self-determination and the joy of becoming who you want to be.