Who is she to judge where she stands?
Who are they who stand where she seeks?
Dear Heart, I love you.
lean on me,
through the strength
of those that surround you.
CKS

She breaks free with the help of Strength and Genuine by her side. Strength and Genuine are slender figure paintings that bring me joy. Seeing all three together brings me joy and a smile.

Started off a part of Brave House Secrets, a series I did a bit ago. and She carried herself forward into the present day; evolving while still remaining her core self.

It is important to me to see that, to visualize it. I have many days I am hanging on by the skin of my teeth, physically and emotionally, mentally, psychologically. And those days are real and okay. They are normal. They are days I retreat, I step back. I rest.

When I sit with Genuine and Strength, I am reminded and encouraged to be myself, just as I am, and there is strength in being yourself. A building of confidence, and with that I am grateful. I was reminded of some of this through a recent YouTube video I watched. Sergio Gomez (you should check him out). I love his perspective and way he approaches art and his career in all he does. From a very grounded and enthusiastic place. And in his latest video he presents this triangle of Believe, Show Up, Gain. To make a long story short his video helped me focus and remind me of the things important to me and what guides me.

And it makes me smile to then go to this visual of this painting flanked by her buddies. (you can see Genuine and Strength here ). I am an individual yes, but I operate best in community and with community.

I am super excited and honored to have this piece in the show Curated by Design(er) at dk Gallery in Marietta GA. Thank you to Duffy Scott Interiors for choosing my piece, and the beautiful words they wrote:

“We’ve chosen this breathtaking piece by artist Connie Karleta-Sales. Her work captivates us with its duality: dark yet hopeful, mysterious yet grounded. Her art speaks volumes—not just through its beauty but through the incredible narrative it carries.”

Show opens Friday January 3rd from 6-8pm and runs through January. If you are in the area I hope you stop in and enjoy the show.

paint much love, always,
Connie Karleta Sales
a.k.a. This Crooked Little Flower