Sleepy Girl

For this project, I aimed to depict aspects of my childhood and show how my mother inspired my creativity. I incorporated an old wet-on-wet watercolor Easter egg painting I created in second grade, along with pieces of my great-grandmother's dresses and various fun fabrics from my mom's collection. I also referenced an old childhood drawing that my mom cherished and has kept all these years. All the materials I used, along with my creative process, highlight one of my mother's most admirable traits: her sentimentality. Memories and keepsakes are incredibly precious to her, and art holds a special place in her heart; she has instilled this appreciation in me as well.

I started with a light sketch and a pen outline, then glued squares of fabric to the canvas. Next, I outlined the fabric with my pen, creating intricate images on the quilt of my sleeping girl and designing patterns on her pajamas. 

I wanted this piece to be playful and sweet, knowing that little Iris would have been drawn to it. As a child, I was always captivated by certain things, whether it was dolls, books, paintings, or little trinkets I found around the house or at flea markets while accompanying my mom. This painting not only represents my mother but also reflects the little artist within me; it evokes that childlike wonder, love, and curiosity for all things artistic.