My name is Victoria Lee Antoine. But my friends call me Vicki Lee.

I was born in Toledo, Ohio, the youngest girl of four children. I was raised in Florence, Alabama, but have since lived in several locations in the U.S.and other countries. In 1996, I found my way back to Florence and have been there ever since.

During my early years, as a young bride, I was emotionally abused. Time kept passing but the damage never went away. The result was that by the time I became a young adult, my life was a big mess. I was waking up every morning feeling worthless and without any sense of direction. I was stuck in a deadend job. I was making the wrong choices in my personal relationships. In fact, of we three girls, I was the first to marry and the first to divorce. I could go on but you get the idea.

Then in 1999, my father died suddenly. He was only 59 years of age. With his passing, I was forced to make a critical decision.

Was I going to continue living as I had been? Or was I going to take action and hold myself accountable for whatever happened? Deciding which fork in the road to take was painful.

Then I realized how great it was that it was now up to me to make that choice. I decided to begin the journey toward becoming who I believed was the real me. That's when I became one of the lucky ones. I had become a survivor because I had chosen to heal myself.

My father's sudden death reminded me how short life really is. Because of that, I knew I should begin not only loving myself but also never being satisfied with anything less than doing what I loved. It was the most important turning point in my life.

As a single parent, I became a student at the University of North Alabama. In 2006, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Graphic Design. How wonderful it felt to finally be able to accept myself and to realize I had fulfilled my dream of becoming a professional artist.

My faith was tested many times. There were times when I doubted I could accomplish what I had set out to do. But thanks to family love, good friends and faith in God, I made it.

Still, I know this is only the beginning. There is much more to learn, so much more to know.

But all those good things will eventually happen. Now, and for the first time in my life, I am looking forward to my future with confidence, excitement and joy.

What you see in my artwork is the result of my combining that gift with what has happened to me and what is in my heart. The images capture a spiritual essence and offer a glimpse at the world as I see it. As time passes, I expect my art to evolve as I do.

You may detect a peaceful side of a sometimes harsh reality. Or you may be shocked by reality itself. Whatever you discover there, I sincerely hope you are touched by it and that it serves you well.

Most important, although my works are inspired by my personal experiences, I realize my ability to create is a true gift from God.