I am a researcher at NIH who studies brains and paints brains. As funding for biomedical research became unstable and work subsequently became affected, my frustrations bled into my artworks. When I complained about my work environment to raise awareness of the instability at federal agencies, I was surprised by the apathy I witnessed. Some were even in agreement that scientists should be fired for working at a federal institute. In a society where federal workers have become vilified, it is important to showcase the diverse work we do and especially highlight the efforts of our colleagues who protect us. This project began as a celebration of this community but soon evolved to mean so much more to me. I am in awe and am incredibly grateful to everyone in this portrait series. To those in this project, thank you again for not giving up on us and caring so immensely for our country. Thank you for letting me paint you.
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