Discovering My Roots: The Creative Legacy of My Ancestry
When I first received my DNA results, I thought it would be just an interesting way to learn a bit more about where I came from. But as the percentages rolled in—67.7% Irish, Scottish, and Welsh; 19.9% Scandinavian; 7.7% English; and 4.7% Finnish—I realized I wasn’t just unlocking ancestral statistics. I was uncovering threads of creativity, resilience, and passion that have been woven into my soul for centuries.
For years, my artistic expression has been deeply personal, rooted in emotion and experience. But now I see that my creativity is also a tribute to those who came before me, whose DNA dances in every brushstroke, every color choice, every word, every story and every idea I bring to life.
67.7% Irish, Scottish, Welsh: A Legacy of Storytelling and SpiritThe largest piece of my genetic puzzle traces back to the Celtic lands of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—a realm brimming with mysticism, poetry, and art. It’s no wonder I’ve always felt a deep connection to storytelling and the power of narrative in my art. These lands have gifted the world with legends of ancient heroes, ethereal landscapes, and hauntingly beautiful music.
I often think about how the rugged beauty of these places mirrors my creative journey. The rolling green hills of Ireland, the craggy Highlands of Scotland, and the windswept coasts of Wales seem to echo the emotional landscapes I seek to capture in my work. There’s a rawness, a defiance, and a haunting beauty in these lands—qualities I strive to channel into my art.
The Celtic spirit is also one of resilience, finding light even in the darkest of times. That sense of perseverance resonates deeply with me, both as an artist and as a person who has faced life’s storms.
19.9% Scandinavian: The Influence of Nordic Minimalism and MythologyAlmost 20% of my DNA belongs to the Scandinavian peoples—a lineage that has gifted me a love of stark beauty and the wisdom of simplicity. From the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights to the timeless minimalism of Nordic design, Scandinavia’s influence is undeniable in the modern art world.
For me, the Scandinavian connection is also about storytelling. The Norse myths—filled with gods, giants, and epic battles—remind me of the power of imagination. They show that stories aren’t just entertainment; they’re a way to explain the world, make sense of chaos, and find meaning in the mundane.
In my art, I often incorporate this duality: the clean lines of minimalism juxtaposed with the chaotic energy of abstract expressionism. Perhaps it’s my Scandinavian DNA whispering to me, urging me to find balance between structure and emotion.
7.7% English: The Tradition of CraftsmanshipThough it’s a smaller part of my ancestry, the English influence brings a legacy of craftsmanship and precision. England’s rich tradition of decorative arts, from intricate tapestries to detailed ceramics, inspires my attention to detail and my love of texture in my paintings.
More than that, I feel a kinship with the English Romantics, who believed in the transformative power of nature and art. Like them, I see creativity as a way to reconnect with the world’s beauty and find solace in its rhythms.
4.7% Finnish: The Quiet Power of NatureThe Finnish part of my DNA—small but mighty—brings a connection to nature that feels almost spiritual. Finland’s vast forests, icy lakes, and midnight sun evoke a sense of wonder and introspection.
Finnish design philosophy often emphasizes harmony with nature, and that ethos aligns perfectly with my creative vision. Whether I’m writing an outdoor scene painting an abstract bloom or channeling the energy of a stormy sea, I feel guided by the Finnish idea that art and nature are inseparable.
How My Ancestry Shapes My Creativity
Uncovering my DNA has deepened my understanding of why I create the way I do. My Irish, Scottish, and Welsh heritage gives me the heart of a storyteller; my Scandinavian roots inspire minimalism and mythology; my English lineage hones my attention to craft; and my Finnish ancestry reminds me to seek solace in nature.
Together, they form a mosaic of influence that connects me to the artists, dreamers, and survivors who came before me. Their struggles, triumphs, and imaginations live on in every piece of art I create.
Embracing the Legacy
Knowing where I come from doesn’t just ground me—it empowers me. It reminds me that creativity is in my blood, passed down through generations who dared to dream, who sought beauty and meaning in their worlds.
So when I pick up a pen, a brush or sketch a new idea, I feel a sense of gratitude for my ancestors. Their DNA is more than just a scientific code—it’s a living, breathing force that shapes who I am as an author and artist. And through my work, I hope to honor their legacy while carving out my own place in the story of our shared humanity.
If you’ve ever wondered how your ancestry might influence your creativity, I encourage you to explore it. You might just discover, as I have, that your art is more than self-expression—it’s a celebration of the generations that came before you, a bridge between the past and the future.
a journey filled with love, and intrigue
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The Italian Billionaire’s Scandalous Marriage invites readers to experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand, the intrigue of hidden art, and the emotional depth of one woman’s search for her true father.
Some of the characters in Love In Montana were inspired by my family—including my grandfather Reg, from who I derive my Scottish ancestry, and Mollie—my Irish.
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A fake engagement, a desperate ultimatum, and a love they never saw coming…
Billionaire rancher Jack Archer is on the edge—find a wife or lose his family’s Montana legacy forever. But marriage was never in his plans, and now he’s forced to find a fiancée, fast.
New York lawyer Lizzie Buckley thought she’d escaped heartbreak, but Montana pulls her back into a dangerous game when she meets Jack. His proposal? A marriage of convenience. Her risk? A second chance at trust. As they play pretend, the line between duty and desire blurs, threatening to expose secrets they can’t afford to reveal.
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