The inner child collection is a culmination of pieces I've created and collected over the last 6-8 months, each one representing an emotion, phase, or energy that reminds us of the playful innocence and magic within us all. I was originally inspired by spending time creating paintings alongside both my 85 year old grandmother, Nani, and a 6 year old little girl, Cecelia, with unbridled creative energy.
This experience made me aware of the beautiful transient nature of life, and the idea that no matter what phase we are in, we all have an inner child that wants to create, connect, and love and be loved. Cecelia reminds me so much of myself, and she inspired me to create without attachment to an outcome, as children often do. Also to share that pure joy for creating with others, as I witnessed her do without hesitation many times.
My grandmother represents so much of my childhood and who I am today. She was my first best friend in this world- playing with me outside, going along with whatever imaginary game I made up, always making me feel like I was special. Losing her has been one of the toughest challenges in my life so far. Not only did I lose a grandmother, but a best friend and life long teacher and supporter. I felt like I lost a part of myself when her physical body died. When she passed in May 2026, I had a hard time getting in my studio and creating anything. I felt like the light that pushed me to make things and make her proud was just put out. On top of that, creating in a space where she used to come and watch me, felt too empty to bear.
This collection has come together from a long process of healing through grief, but on the opposite side of the spectrum it was created from pure love, inspiration, and hope for the future. Hope that something that I create can help someone to rediscover their inner child, and maybe help them heal along the way. Hope that the grief will not drown me but fuel me to reach my potential, to continue to make my Nani proud by not giving up. To inspire and create a love that outlasts my lifetime as she did. While the little girl and my Nani represent different archetypes, they are also one in the same. They are both celebrations of the joy of creation through all phases of life.
I bring you the Inner Child collection, dedicated to Judi Berger (my Nani) and Cecelia, the young girl who inspired me and will continue to inspire people throughout her life. I also dedicate this collection to the inner child within us all that deserves love, care, and to be embraced and healed. 15% of proceeds from this collection will be donated to Family Resources to support their survivor services and mission of supporting successful lives to build strong communities. You can learn more about their work and how to support the organization on their website https://www.famres.org/
Photography for this collection was graciously done by Emily Freymann, with Emily Freymann Photography and Design. You can reach out to learn more about her services through her website https://www.freymannphotographyanddesign.com/