19/06/2026
“Once Upon A Starry Night”- I picked up and put down this image so many times during its creation. I’ve wanted to make an iteration of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” for a few long time. Originally I had it as the girl in a dress lying on the moon and looking up at a dangling stroopwafel. None of it felt right- “why is she laying there staring at a damn stroopwafel when there is all this beauty around here?!” So I’d put it down again. Feeling frustrated, I eventually I read more into Van Gogh’s intent behind Starry Night. This old master of the Netherlands was in a state of recovery when he created the image. Though he wasn’t in the Netherlands when he created it.
Since moving here I feel like I have been in a similar state of recovery (def different than van Gogh’s 😉). I feel good here. Safe. Allowed to be me. The person in the image, I believe, is a teenage version of myself. Im probably about 14/15 here. That was a turbulent time. That sweet and spicy girl seems to be feeling a lot better these days. She feels lighter, more free, and generally at peace. She feels loved, held, and protected too. I’m so happy I could finally give her that. Because that girl certainly deserves to have the moon AND the stars! Lastly, this image is one of those “can’t really describe it in words” sort of a situation. Words are failing, but looking at it feels oh-so satisfying. It coveys the thing it needs to ⭐️🌙