| I Am Royalty |
Size: 16x20
Acrylic
Artist: Sophia A. Foutres

Instagram: @theunlockedartist

My name is Sophia A. Foutres and I am an Unlocked artist.

In January 2021 I had a vision to spend the year creating and living more authentically.

My partner wanted to do a paint night, so I surprised her with a date night paint night and a spark ignited within me.

I felt something inside of me say, "Paint Rainbows, share your story, raise awareness and spread love" and my unlocking began.

I set out to raise awareness and fundraise for suicide prevention as I have had my own personal mental health struggles and statistically those who are LGBTQ+ have higher rates of mental health issues and suicide.

Here's the thing, I am an ordained minister in a Christian context and often being LGBTQ+ and a person of faith is not well received, to put it kindly.

I needed a space where I could heal and rediscover my faith while embracing being part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Painting became a vehicle which helped me reconnect to God and share my story with others.

My hope is that all people would know they are loved as they are and welcomed at the table of faith.

One of my favorite aspects of this adventure is seeing others unlock as they share their own journeys with me.

I believe we all have some kind of unlocking in our lives, what is yours?

For more art and stories follow me on instagram @theunlockedartist, all art is for sale and 10% goes to suicide prevention.

For more information or commissions email me at the [email protected] or direct message me on instagram.