Most of us were rebels growing up. There was a strange bravado in those years that made us feel invincible. We felt stronger when we had less because we had nothing to lose. We worried less about fitting in, cared little for expectations, and felt no obligation to seek approval. We trusted our instincts, followed our curiosity, and believed the world was ours to explore.
As we grow older, responsibilities quietly accumulate, and we begin to measure ourselves against rules, expectations, and opinions that once seemed unimportant. It makes me wonder when it became so important to follow lines drawn by others instead of creating our own.
Surrounded by wildflowers and open space, the figure in this painting reflects a spirit untethered from expectations. Her gaze suggests someone who trusts herself completely and is unafraid to take up space in the world.
I hope viewers reconnect with that fearless part of themselves and remember the freedom that comes from simply being who they are.