From honoring personal milestones to seeking clarity to simply needing something tangible to ground you, my work is designed to inspire, guide, and connect. In 2002, I began experiencing mysterious physical symptoms with no clear answers. It took ten years of searching before I was finally diagnosed with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and an
"eating disorder not otherwise specified" (ED-NOS)—conditions that reshaped my life in ways I never expected. As I worked to navigate this new reality, I turned to creativity—not just as an outlet, but as a way to heal. What had once been a tool for survival became something more: a means of expression, purpose, and connection. I started making things just for myself, but when friends and neighbors began requesting my work, I realized I had found something truly meaningful. The name "The Flunky Chicken" comes from a story a dear friend once shared with me. In her culture, there’s a tale of an eagle raised as a chicken, much like The Ugly Duckling. The eagle, different from the others, was shamed and cast aside—until she finally discovered the truth: she was never meant to be a chicken. I chose this name to honor my friend, who saw past all the labels and recognized me for who I truly was. Her belief in me helped change my path, and now, through my work, I hope to help others navigate their own journeys—embracing who they are, where they’ve been, and where they’re meant to go.
