Dear, let me introduce myself. First of all, I want to let you know how happy I am to have you here. You are most welcome. My name is Onna and I am an artist. The word artist for me means storyteller, someone who reflects and ponders a lot. Someone who loves to play and give space for the inner child. I have tried to live as a non-artist, but it didn’t work. When I worked in an office I had to suppress all that is me. It was not ok to dance in the corridor or paint swirly abstracts on the whiteboard. This is why I describe myself as an artist. I have to be an artist, I am, and cannot be anything else.  

In my life there has been a lot of darkness and fear. I have despaired and wondered how I would survive and thrive. I still ask these questions except for the one about survival. I know I survive because I choose to be here. And all that darkness distills into stories for recognition and comfort for others going through the same thing. 

I find inspiration in stories of survival and courage. You inspire me.