This collection is the culmination of a year-long journey of inner healing, transformation, and growth. The journey began on May 8, 2021 with a scary incident, which catapulted me on a painful 12-month exploration of my psyche, sense of identity, and life goals.

In July 2021, when I was on the edge of suicide, I met Olesya Yampolska - a Ukrainian psychotherapist, psychiatrist, and neuro-pathologist, who encouraged me to start drawing as a way to express and understand my feelings.

As I started exploring the darkest corners of my soul through my art, I realized that I had buried my childhood dream to be an artist. As a result, I spent over a decade pursuing career paths and social engagements that were in complete dissonance with what my soul wanted from life.

“Octomorphosis” is a collection about my inner exploration, self-empowerment, and liberation.

After struggling with debilitating episodes of major depression for over 7 years, I was finally diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder Type 2 at the age of 32. This was the best thing that’s ever happened to me as it allowed me to stop associating myself with the ideas society has about who I am and start rebuilding my identity based on my unique needs, desires, and dreams.

Getting diagnosed and using art as a cleansing and therapeutic practice helped me to finally embrace self-care as a sign of maturity and self-respect, begin to build healthy coping skills, heal old trauma, and find a way to thrive despite my mental illness.