What is Taboo? 2.8.2026

Favoritism is an unspoken taboo. Most people have favorites—among family members, colleagues, or friends—but admit it only in whispers. Yet when it comes to things, we declare our loyalties proudly. Oprah Winfrey’s annual list of “Favorite Things” comes to mind, and on this Super Bowl Sunday, loyal fans of the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are cheering with unrelenting passion.

Still, favoritism can divide. It damages relationships and undermines trust within families, teams, and organizations. People may pretend not to have favorites, but their preferences often reveal themselves in subtle ways. What frustrates others most is when favoritism turns into bias—when it unfairly tilts opportunities or outcomes, eroding fairness and collapsing trust.

I have two favorite colors that naturally surface in my work: blue and pink. Blue holds the top spot in my heart, with pink coming in close behind. My affinity for blue feels ingrained—woven into my subconscious—quietly guiding both conscious and unconscious choices.

When it comes to color, having favorites is harmless. Preferences like these are respected as personal choices. But favoritism in larger contexts carries a stigma. It corrodes the integrity of systems built to minimize bias. Disregarding those systems—whether in leadership, hiring, or decision-making—inevitably leads to failure.

Favoritism also has systemic consequences. Homogeneous organizations underperform compared to diverse ones. Within families, bias can breed rivalry and resentment. In any setting, favoritism undermines trust—and trust is the cornerstone of a healthy society.

My favorite colors won’t destabilize the world, but they might not resonate with those who prefer other shades. Ethically, I try to recognize when my own bias clouds my judgment and step aside when fairness demands it. Acknowledging one’s bias is not weakness—it’s wisdom.

I remain lovingly biased toward blue but continue to find beauty in every color. My hope is for a world more intentional about understanding and celebrating the diversity that surrounds us.

Collage by Heather Polk, “What is Taboo? 2.8.2026”, 2026, torn magazine pages on watercolor paper, 8 in x 8 in

What is Taboo? 2.7.2026

My apologies for not posting this yesterday. I take full accountability for missing my deliverable and not sharing this on Saturday, February 7. I spent the day making several collages in between weekend activities, and I actually fell asleep while attempting to write Saturday’s blog. There was never an intention to write about tardiness — but somehow, it became fitting. Timelines can be taboo topics: frequently whispered about, yet rarely addressed directly.

It’s probably important to start by looking at cultural norms around timeliness. Personally, I dislike being late. I prefer to arrive a little early and be prepared. If I know I’ll be running behind, I make it a point to let people know — and if I can’t make it at all, I communicate that, too.

In some cultures, being late is considered deeply disrespectful, a breach of etiquette that reflects poorly on one’s character. Social norms in such places often expect guests to arrive 15–30 minutes early. In other societies or subcultures, however, it’s almost expected that people will show up late — even after an event has begun (where do they do that at!?!).

We’ve all had that colleague who’s perpetually late. Some entertainers have even lost fans for showing up hours after their concert’s scheduled start time. The truth is, tardiness isn’t uncommon, and it often happens for reasons beyond our control — life happens, emergencies happen.

And then there’s art. Art can make you late. When an artist enters a creative flow state, time disappears. Ideas and inspiration move freely and effortlessly, and it’s hard to step away. My intention was to make one collage in between my son’s basketball games and household chores — but one became seven or eight before I knew it.

Thousands of artists have probably missed events, deadlines, or “the party” because they were caught in that creative groove. When art calls, it can be impossible to resist. So yes, being late may be taboo — but let’s show a little grace to the artists who lose track of time while creating beauty.

Collage by Heather Polk, “What is Taboo? 2.7.2026”, 2026, torn magazine pages on watercolor paper, 8 in x 8 in

What is Taboo? 2.6.2026

Half prayer or some sort of confession

There are stories we try to bury

You can’t disguise the truth, lies always leave scars

Secrets don’t have ground to take root, always walking the edge of what cannot be spoken

You will find peace in the storm by surrendering your control

There is always light to pursue; pursue the light, it longs for you.

The truth should not be taboo.

Collage by Heather Polk, “What is Taboo? 2.6.2026”, 2026, torn magazine pages on watercolor paper, 8 in x 8 in

What is Taboo? 2.5.2026

Suppressing emotions — being unwilling or unable to share how you feel. Crippled by shame and the fear of societal embarrassment for “being in your feelings.” There are countless stories of people shackled by their emotions, requiring years of therapy to learn how to love properly.

Today, a man shared with me that he is not afraid to cry — and does so regularly. He grew up in a home where his family (father, mother, brother, and he) said “I love you” to one another often. He and his family are still grieving the loss of his father. He continues to console his mother and has moved into their family home to be within a mile of her. He spoke proudly of his immigrant father coming to America, building wealth, and being fully present for his family. He said his dad was his hero.

A liberated soul is one that feels comfortable owning their emotions. Being nurtured in an environment that allows love to flourish is a blessing — a blessing that can sometimes feel taboo.

Love is a balm. Love is a healer. Love is a pathway to relationships that matter. Let’s create a world where love reigns supreme and never feels taboo.

Collage by Heather Polk, “What is Taboo? 2.5.2026”, 2026, Acrylic paint & torn magazine pages on watercolor paper, 8 in x 8 in

What is Taboo? 2.4.2026

“If I tell you, if I tell you now

Will you keep on, will you keep on loving me?

If I tell you, if I tell you how I feel

Will you keep bringing out the best in me?”

“Sweetest Taboo” - lyrics by Sade

Have you ever had love stuck in your throat?

When being vulnerable felt too hard, and saying how you really felt seemed impossible?

It sucks.

Be courageous—speak your truth. If your feelings aren’t returned, move forward.

Find the person who will tell you exactly how they feel, who will teach you their love language and learn yours, too.

Find the one who keeps bringing out the best in you.

Collage by Heather Polk, “What is Taboo? 2.4.2026”, 2026, Acrylic paint & torn magazine pages on watercolor paper, 8 in x 8 in

What is Taboo? 2.3.2026

Is it okay to make art that means nothing?

Two pieces of paper torn from a magazine, back to back pages. I quickly assembled them, laying the torn pieces atop one another.

The image means nothing and it would have stayed that way, but I tore the image of a hand. The hand injects a person into what was originally planned to be completely abstract. And someone is gonna wonder “why did she do that?” I was just playing around.

Did you commit to any playful creativity today?

Collage by Heather Polk, “What is Taboo? 2.3.2026”, 2026, Acrylic paint & torn magazine pages on watercolor paper, 8 in x 8 in

What is taboo? 2.2.2026

“There was no master plan to any of this. We'd just try things out and keep bits of them, and as a result there are always little things coming in and out of the mix, tickling the ear. You can't quite take it all in at once. It's basically simple but it's also deceptive, because there is actually a lot going on, and every time you listen to it you hear something else. Everything is there for a reason." Engineer and producer Mike Pela describes the organic recording process that produced one of the singer's most memorable hits (Sweetest Taboo) - link to the article is below

Similar to the approach to one of my favorite songs by Sade, I have no master plan for this “What is Taboo?” series of collages. I chose this title for the series because I wanted to pair a song with an Instagram post on January 31, 2026. I wish it more complex - it is and it isn’t. I have been using music consciously as inspiration for art and came to realize that unconsciously my background music was often merging with the art as I was creating.

It seems taboo not to have a plan nowadays. Everyone is a brand, or has a brand, and brands usually have a master plan, right? (Eric B & Rakim just popped into my head)

“Thinking of a master plan…” this is the classic opening line from Eric B. And Rakim’s hit song “Paid In Full.” The song is great storytelling as Rakim raps about evolving from being a stick up kid to developing a plan for a “better life.”

“Thinkin' of a master plan
'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand
So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent
So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

So I start my mission, leave my residence
Thinkin' how could I get some dead presidents
I need money, I used to be a stick-up kid
So I think of all the devious things I did

I used to roll up, this is a hold up, ain't nuthin' funny
Stop smiling, be still, don't nuthin' move but the money
But now I learned to earn 'cuz I'm righteous
I feel great, so maybe I might just

Search for a nine to five, if I strive
Then maybe I'll stay alive
So I walk up the street whistlin' this
Feelin' out of place 'cuz, man, do I miss

A pen and a paper, a stereo, a tape of
Me and Eric B, and a nice big plate of
Fish, which is my favorite dish
But without no money it's still a wish

'Cuz I don't like to dream about gettin' paid
So I dig into the books of the rhymes that I made
So now to test to see if I got pull
Hit the studio, 'cuz I'm paid in full”

Today’s post is a PEAK example of no master plan! I enjoy allowing my collage practice and blog musings to organically evolve. It’s my personal revelry - fun & freedom - to allow the creative energy to just flow. In today’s world of planning and then having many meetings about the plans, I’m glad I have a protected space to just flow. Don’t let “just going with the flow” become taboo for you. Find time to flow and explore the joy of not having a plan and letting it all unfold.

Classic Tracks: Sade 'The Sweetest Taboo': https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-sade-sweetest-taboo (source for opening quote)

Collage by Heather Polk, “What is Taboo? 2.2.2026”, 2026, Acrylic paint & torn painted paper, on watercolor paper, 4 in x 6 in

What Is Taboo? 2.1.2026

A noun, an adjective, or a verb.

That’s how taboo is defined in the dictionary.

Noun: proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable:

Adjective: a prohibition or interdiction of anything; exclusion from use or practice:

Verb: to ostracize (a person, group, etc.)

Art is a great medium to interrogate things society considers taboo. This month I want to use my art to explore the concept of living in or outside of a prescribed box. Career is one way people have always “boxed people in.”

In high school you’re told to choose a career path - how the hell do you know what you want to become in high school?!?! In college you choose a major, and maybe you can declare a minor as well. Graduate college and choose a career, get a job and stick with for 30-40 years.

In 2026, it’s still somewhat taboo to choose another path, to buck the system, to step outside the box. Are you doing what you want to do or what you’re expected to do? Have you outgrown choices and decisions, but have yet to make the commitment to move on to something new?

What is a career taboo you have had to overcome? Are you currently facing something taboo in your career (hello AI meets analog generations)?

My name is Heather and I’m an artist (making work at night & over weekends as much as I can) who loves collage and color! My career, learnings, and curiosities have helped me forge strong opinions on a few things. Don’t let people box you in! Bet on yourself and pursue the things that continually gnaw at your heart and soul, it might unlock a new level of passion.

Collage by Heather Polk, “What is Taboo? 2.1.2026”, 2026, Acrylic paint and found images from magazines, on watercolor paper, 8 in x 8 in

31 days into 2026

Here we are, nearing the completion of January 2026.

I didn’t make any resolutions for this year. My only goals are to make the highest and best decisions daily and plan responsibly for the days ahead.

This February I want to make art every day - one simple collage every day, maybe a doodle or a small abstract painting. The idea is just to create something daily throughout February.

After that, I hope to continue in March and maybe even April. But for now, I’m planning to start with one small piece on February 1, 2026.

See you tomorrow…

No More Wrestling

Not by strength,

not by might,

but by faith.

Fairness cannot exist in a world driven by bias or corruption. You cannot prove your worth in a place where your efforts go unrecognized and your presence goes unrespected.

This year reminded me how essential it is to lean on my faith. As we approach 2026, my faith is renewed, and I trust that God’s favor and protection surround me always, wherever I go.

I am thankful for genuine friendships, deep family bonds, and the gifts I have been given. I pray that God will multiply my opportunities to spend time with loved ones, and that my talents will open new doors and experiences in 2026 and beyond.

Collage by Heather Polk, “Wrestling With My Thoughts” (WIP), 2021, Found images on Arches watercolor paper, 16 in x 20 in

Wherever I Go

Wherever I go

The universe is with me

Leading me

Protecting me

Blessing me

Having fun with me

Comforting me

Teaching me

Favoring me

Uplifting and encouraging me

Supporting me

Wherever I go

God is with me

Collage on watercolor paper made by Heather Polk with found pieces. “Wherever I Go the Universe Is On My Side” 2022

Bloom Any Way

Take up space.

Unapologetically.

Undeniably.

No shrinking allowed.

Own your brilliance and beauty.

Try as they may to ignore your presence,

Your passion will radiate.

Ignore the false labels and accusations.

Your success is the true narrative.

Bloom any way.

Bloom in a way that is uniquely you.

Always and in all ways.

Collage by Heather Polk made with found pieces and acrylic paint on watercolor paper. “Hidden Figures #2” 2022

Just Call Her Sister

“you are not

your sisters keeper

you are

your sister”

Excerpt from Lucille Clifton’s

The Message From The Ones

Identity and responsibility emerge as themes woven in some critiques of these lines from Lucile Clifton’s poem.

As the oldest sister, I have long leaned into the role of responsibility that comes with being “big sister.” Yet, in this current season of unlearning and creating space for what is best for me, I find myself releasing the weight of that title - choosing instead to just be their sister.

A respecter of boundaries.

A fixer of nothing.

Saying “no” comfortably without guilt.

Rejecting other people’s expectations.

Minding my business.

Connecting on shared interests.

Listening intently without agenda.

Daydreaming of love.

Embracing peace.

Apologizing because I’m often wrong.

Exuding a genuine warmth.

Forcing nothing.

Allowing what is in alignment.

Napping and resting.

Celebrating the wins.

Honoring my truths.

Accepting things as there are.

Courageously pursuing justice.

Happily creating art.

Honoring my inner voice.

Controlling no one.

Seeking truth relentlessly.

Thinking out loud.

Agonizing over fewer things.

Appreciating that the ripple is not a “little thing.”

Looking for my miracles everyday.

Betting on us.

Winning and succeeding together.

Taking care of myself first.

Is this what they mean when they say “doing all the things”? These things resonate with me and I will honor them in how I live as sister daily.

“Hidden Figure #1” - 2022 - by Heather Polk, assembled found images

Best Path

Your path in life is yours alone. For some it’s a formula; for others, a feeling. The truth lies somewhere in between.

Live authentically. Know your purpose. Care for yourself. Build relationships with intention. Your intuition is your compass- trust it!

Too many dreams have died under the weight of other people’s opinions. Stay the course through the inevitable twists, turns, doubts, and keep your hope.

Your best path always requires belief in what you cannot yet see. Hold onto your vision and trust God is working everything for your good. Your path unfolds as you move towards what you believe.

Artwork: “I Am On The Best Path For Myself”

2022

Assembled found images

You Are Your Best Thing

“You are your best thing…”

-Toni Morrison, Beloved

Our sense of value does not come from others, our jobs, or even our closest relationships. It comes from within - from our own inherent self worth.

So where do self-worth and creativity intersect? For me, creativity has always been a bridge between emotions and curiosity - a way to pour curiosity, joy, and pain on to paper or canvas. Over the decades, art making and writing have become forms of personal liberation, granting me the freedom to explore and make sense of my inner world and what I observe in the world around me.

Whether through figurative collages that affirm “Black is Beautiful” or abstract works that delve into dreamlike ambiguity, my creativity continues to evolve as a practice of expression and curiosity. Affirming myself does not diminish others; rather it honors my voice, my lived experiences, my value, my talents, my right to exist and take up space. I matter - and I have contributions to make where I can serve.

May we all come to recognize that we are our best thing. Create space for yourself. Listen to your intuition. Honor your inner voice. Cultivate your gifts. The world needs only what you can create!

“You Are Your Best Thing”

2020

Collaged my from found images.

Meditation is Realization

Your thoughts become your reality.

It requires intentionality to stay focused in today’s hyper distracting world. Disciplined action is required to achieve your goals.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Meditate on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Block out or distance yourself from that which does not serve your highest and best.

Meditate, create, & elevate.

Artwork:

Mediation Is Realization

2020

Give Her Flowers

Give her flowers.

Choose fragrant, colorful, and beautiful bouquets that stoke all of her senses.

Give them with a pure heart, with a desire to tug at her emotions, and affirm your commitment. May your bouquet whisper “I love you” with pretty petals and fragrance.

She is your flower. Nurture your garden and she will continually bloom.

Artwork:

“Give Her Flowers”

2019

Lost In The Waves

Belief.

Faith.

The substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.

Whatcha believin’ God for? Whatcha hopin’ to maintain a mustard seed size of faith for?

Don’t stop believing. Don’t get lost in the waves and movement of the world around you.

Don’t abandon your faith.

Look for your miracles everyday. Trust God to strengthen you, keep you encouraged and supply whatever is required to walk on that water.

God doesn’t need your help, just your faith. Keep walking, don’t stop, He has your back.

Artwork:

“Lost In The Waves”

2022

12in x 9in

Abstract collage on watercolor paper

What Are We Afraid Of?

What - (fill in the blank)

Are we (you, me, and/or everyone else)

Afraid (fearing, scared to contemplate)

Of (to be, to become, to do)

?

Take up space and go forward shedding your fear with every step. Develop the confidence as you play, act, do, dream, practice, and become. Becoming is a process…. They say you should enjoy the process. Enjoy becoming!

Artwork:

“Becoming”

2020

The Keeper

To Keep (verb):

to maintain (some action), especially in accordance with specific requirements, a promise, etc.:to keep watch; to keep step.

A reminder that we need to be the keepers of our truths, our families, our past, our communities, our institutions, and all that we value.

Keep your heirlooms. Keep the family recipes. Keep the telling the stories. Keep your loved ones close. Keep making memories. Keep up your strength. Keep your courage. Keep the same energy for doing the right thing.

Know what to keep.

Know when and what to let go.

Know your yourself.

Keep taking care of yourself.

Keep believing.

Keep trusting the process.

Keep holding to God’s unchanging hand.

Keep your cool.

Keep investing.

Keep living.

Keep succeeding.

Keep caring for one another.

“My Sister’s Keeper”

2021