This piece is the story of how I exploded out of the smaller version of myself into who I am

today.

The story starts the bottom center of the piece. A growing person trapped inside a box

represents how I felt living in my hometown and having my opportunities limited. The colors on

the body represent upcoming growth (green), the pit of leaving behind my old life (black/

purple), and the faith I had in following my heart (red). The blood on my fingers represents me

intentionally choosing to break the box open, get out and grow.

The center piece is an exploding star, representing what happened when I took a solo

backpacking trip through Europe. The glass represents the limitations I shattered, and the

shards of mirror represent the parts of myself I shattered in the process.

The figure in the top center represents the woman I became. I was inspired by the Roman

statues I visited in Europe.

The painting on the top left represents the world and the energy around it.

The painting on the top right of the anti-Vietnam War slogan represents peace.

These two represent my pillars, or shoulders, World Peace.

The rest of the paintings on the left represent extrospection.

Earth, Jupiter and the Milky Way represent dreams of traveling out into space.

The Purple and blue paintings below are two crusts coming together to form a volcano. These

paintings represent two people coming together and the power of what lies underneath when

they connect and collaborate.

The two cats exploring space together below represent exploring life with the people around

us. This painting was done by a friend.

The paintings on the right side of the collection are introspection.

The three portraits represent represent a study of my identity. The smaller one is how I feel. The

portrait with the black background represents my darker side, or yin, and the portrait with the

pink background represents my brighter side, or yang.

The heart below represents peace around love, but some chaos inside.

The lava lamp represents fluidity.

The last painting is a jar of water with water rising out electrically. I’m an Aquarius, the water

bearer. It represents me bringing water to the world in an electric and powerful way.