Done in honour of my mentor and second mother Maria Klokkou; a red poppy. Maria was an English/ Greek artist who lived in Niagara Falls. I was her longest attending student, having been under her wing for 11 years. Maria was diagnosed with Breast Cancer only a year before she took me on as her student, and for 12 years she never let it become anything more than a nuisance to her. She not only taught me about art and how to master it, but she taught me how to be a better person. She was, by far, the strongest, most positive, and simply the most beautiful woman in my life. Sadly, on July 14th, 2012, Maria beat cancer once and for all.I will wear this poppy, her favourite flower and a powerful symbol, forever as a sign of my loyalty to her attitude towards life and love; “Love Life”, and so I will. <3 Rest in peace Maria, you will not be forgotten, and forever celebrated.

Done in honour of my mentor and second mother Maria Klokkou; a red poppy. Maria was an English/ Greek artist who lived in Niagara Falls. I was her longest attending student, having been under her wing for 11 years. Maria was diagnosed with Breast Cancer only a year before she took me on as her student, and for 12 years she never let it become anything more than a nuisance to her. She not only taught me about art and how to master it, but she taught me how to be a better person. She was, by far, the strongest, most positive, and simply the most beautiful woman in my life. Sadly, on July 14th, 2012, Maria beat cancer once and for all.

I will wear this poppy, her favourite flower and a powerful symbol, forever as a sign of my loyalty to her attitude towards life and love; “Love Life”, and so I will. <3 Rest in peace Maria, you will not be forgotten, and forever celebrated.