TALISMANS
A symbol of memory.
COMMON QUESTIONS
I read your responses with care and reflect on the emotions, themes, and ideas you’ve shared. Then, using my knowledge of symbolic language, I intuitively choose or create symbols that represent those deeper truths. The process is meditative and a lot of thought and visualization happens before a mark is made.
Each symbol I paint holds a specific meaning—chosen with intention based on your responses and presence. That meaning isn’t meant to be obvious, because it isn’t meant to be interpreted by others. The meaning of your Talisman is shared only between us—and whoever you choose to include in that knowing.
Some marks are simple shapes, some are gestural scribbles, others are soft swaths of color. I choose forms that feel intuitively connected to what you’ve shared: memories, places, values, ideologies, emotions. A triangle, for example, might represent an idea best expressed through that shape, even if its meaning remains unspoken.
The meaning of your Talisman is personal and ephemeral. You may carry each meaning clearly in your mind, or you may let them fade with time. That’s part of the ritual: the knowing, the forgetting, the quiet honoring.
What's important is the presence of meaning; the knowledge that it has existed. Your Talisman is a quiet proof that your life had depth, shape, and intention. A symbol to outlast explanation.
The number of symbols depends on the scale and composition of the image, but my intention is always to reflect the depth of what you’ve offered. Nothing is dismissed. Even the quietest details leave an imprint.
I treat every detail you share with reverence. Your reality is layered and luminous—full of meaning worth honoring. I do my best to create a symbol for each thing you share with me, and in most cases, I can.
Yes. This piece is meant to reflect what matters most to you. If certain colors or symbols feel especially meaningful, I welcome you to share them.
I’ll always do my best to honor your requests while holding space for the intuitive nature of the work. Your values guide the process—and your Talisman begins with your voice.
Not at all. Talismans are not tied to any specific belief system. They are a visual reflection of you—your inner life, values, memories, and hopes—expressed through intuitively chosen symbols.
If spirituality is important to you, your Talisman can hold that meaning. If it isn’t, it won’t. What matters is your presence, not your beliefs.
I hold deep respect for each person’s journey—spiritual, secular, or undefined. To me, every path is a personal encounter with the unknown. That reverence is what guides my hand when I paint. Each Talisman is a quiet honoring of who you are, in whatever form that takes.
Yes, and in many ways, that’s the essence of this work. You are the sole keeper of your Talisman’s meaning. Whether you choose to share it or hold it close is entirely up to you.
There’s something sacred in keeping meaning for yourself. And something equally powerful in choosing when and with whom you reveal it. The decision is always yours.
Your privacy is treated with great care. All personal reflections are held in confidence, and you’re welcome to let me know if you have specific needs. Once your Talisman is complete, it belongs fully to you in meaning, in memory, and in narrative.
Please allow up to 10 weeks for your Talisman to be completed.
Each piece is created slowly and with great care: from the initial curation of your images to the hand-painting of your final print. Your Talisman is made to last a lifetime, and that kind of work takes time.
If you have a specific timeline or occasion in mind, feel free to reach out. I’ll always do my best to accommodate with intention.
Framing is not included, but thoughtful guidance and optional coordination are available.
You’re welcome to frame your Talisman on your own, or I can assist in sourcing a trusted framer in your area. Each client receives a short framing guide with recommendations for selecting a frame that complements the tone and energy of the piece.
Framing is your opportunity to add a personal, aesthetic touch. It’s the final layer of collaboration: your way of housing the meaning we’ve created together. I believe that part should reflect you.
If you prefer a fully hands-off experience, I offer framing coordination for a small additional fee.
In most cases, yes. Talisman Portraits are designed to be a full experience: photographed, curated, and painted by me, so that every layer reflects the intention behind the work.
That said, I may consider creating a Talisman from an existing image if it meets certain standards in resolution, authorship, and emotional clarity. If you have a meaningful photograph you’d like me to consider, feel free to reach out. I review these requests on a case-by-case basis with care and respect for the image’s origin.
What Is a Talisman?
A portrait beyond the surface.
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A Portrait, Transformed
A Talisman begins as a fine art portrait and becomes something more: an original, hand-finished artwork layered with symbolic markings chosen just for you. It’s a custom piece that holds personal meaning and intention to not just represent you, but to invoke your greatest life.
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Symbolic and Personal
Each Talisman is painted with abstract symbols based on a private questionnaire and personal insights. These marks—shapes, gestures, or fields of color—are not decorative; they’re chosen to honor your story, values, and emotional landscape.
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An Heirloom of Meaning
Talismans are created to become heirloom artworks—objects of beauty, mystery, and spiritual resonance. More than a photograph, each piece is a custom fine art print that carries meaning for generations to come.
You are not just seen; you are interpreted, honored, hoped for.
PROCESS
01 // Share Your Story
Before your session, you'll receive a short, reflective questionnaire. Your responses help guide the emotional and symbolic layers of your Talisman.
Step 2: Create the Portrait
We meet for your photography session—relaxed, intuitive, and present. This is where the visual foundation of your Talisman is born.
Step 3: Choose Your Image
When your gallery is delivered, I’ll suggest the portraits with the strongest symbolic resonance.
You’ll choose the one that feels right to you.
Step 4: Fine Art Printing
Your chosen image is printed through POV Printing in Los Angeles—renowned for museum-quality fine art prints, crafted to last a lifetime.
Step 5: Hand-Painting the Talisman
Each symbol is painted with care, using your words, your image, and intuitive guidance. No two are alike. Every gesture is intentional.
Step 6: Private Reveal
Once complete, we meet for a video reveal. I walk you through the symbolism woven into your Talisman. You’ll receive a recording for your own reflection and safekeeping.
Step 7: Delivery
Your finished Talisman is carefully packaged and shipped to your door. An heirloom of presence—made to live with you and beyond you.
SIZE AND INVESTMENT
All talisman prints are printed on museum-grade fine art paper, hand-painted by Erin. Digital talismans are by invitation only.
Talisman prints are offered in four archival sizes:
→ 10x15
→ 12x18
→ 20x30
→ 30x45
Each piece is priced according to size and complexity starting at $500 Custom commissions are welcomed.
Shipping is available worldwide.
RECENT TALISMANS
