Veronica Moonchild

Art has always been my refuge; a space where I could explore my emotions and make sense of my world when words failed me. Growing up in poverty, constantly moving from one home to another, I often felt unheard, lost in the background of an education system that wasn’t built for students like me. With my mother working tirelessly to keep us afloat, school became both an escape and a challenge. I struggled with ADHD, unable to focus in the rigid academic structure, often dismissed as disruptive or unfocused. But while I couldn’t always follow the rules, I could draw. My notebooks became filled with intricate, interconnected images—visual stories that made sense of the chaos around me.

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That need for self-expression continues to fuel my work today. Through oil painting on expansive canvases, I explore the complexities of emotion, identity, and personal growth, with a focus on female figures navigating love, loss, and introspection. Using bold color palettes and surreal elements, I manipulate light and symbolism to heighten emotional depth, creating immersive scenes that resonate beyond the surface.

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As a queer artist, LGBTQ+ representation is at the heart of my work. Growing up, I had no role models, no art, no films that reflected my experience. My identity was something to be hidden, a secret I felt pressured to bury for survival. Now, my paintings serve as a reclamation of that erased visibility. Through intimate portrayals of women, I explore the nuances of queer love, longing, and resilience. Moments of vulnerability and power that challenge the societal norms I once conformed to. My use of light and color acts as both a storytelling device and a statement, shifting from neon vibrancy to deep, moody contrasts to evoke the emotions tied to self-acceptance and authenticity.

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My paintings are not just about storytelling but about connection; about capturing the emotions we struggle to put into words. Through body language, expressive environments, and symbolic objects, I invite viewers into these intimate moments, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences.

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As an artist and educator, I am committed to using my work to create space for those who feel unseen. I understand what it means to grow up without representation, without guidance, without validation. That is why I paint, why I teach, and why I continue to push forward despite the doubts that have followed me throughout my life. Art is not just a career; it is a language, a tool, and a force for change. One that I will continue to wield unapologetically.