Artist Statement

As a young adult, I turned repeatedly to self-portraiture, attempting to reconcile an unravelling sense of identity and direction. I hit my lowest point in 2021, age 20, after losing a loved one to suicide in the midst of a battle with my own deteriorating mental health. When I returned to my art practice, searching for meaning in the face of immense grief, I shifted away from introspection and instead looked outward, finding inspiration in the world around me. 

Now, three years on, I have painted a self-portrait again, seeking to capture the coexistence of fragility and strength that defines me. It is a mark of progress, a celebration of resilience, and a statement of hope: I am still here.