This painting is my story—me growing as a young Black girl of color through things that tried to hold me back. The roots around my body show the struggles I’ve faced: being overlooked where I should’ve been seen, having to prove myself again and again, and facing challenges that could have kept me small. But instead, they became the ground I push off from.

The color coming from my back is messy, layered, alive—like the part of me that refuses to stay quiet or hidden. My wings carry hope and healing, and the part of me that keeps showing up even when it’s hard. The rainbow rhinestones on my body catch the light, even the ones that aren’t shining, reminding me that every part of my journey matters.

In the painting, I’m looking up because I’m choosing freedom, joy, and courage—to speak my voice and claim my space. This is a promise to my future self that no matter what tries to hold me down, I will rise—proud, colorful, and unapologetically me. 

I wanted to create art inspired by biblical themes, so I explored artists who worked in this style and discovered Giovanni di Paolo. His work captivated me because of the way he brought his pieces to life with color, emotion, and story. For my painting, I chose a biblical background and created an angel as the central figure.

At first, I planned to make a realistic version of an angel, imagining what it might truly look like. As I began painting, I realized that most viewers might not relate to that vision. I decided instead to create an angel that reflects the image people are more familiar with—something recognizable, approachable, and symbolic. This choice allowed me to bridge my personal inspiration with how others experience and connect with the figure of an angel.

Through this project, I explored not just technique, but also the balance between personal vision and shared understanding, creating a piece that honors tradition while inviting viewers to engage with it in their own way.

This painting that explores the journey of inner peace and self-discovery. It depicts a Black woman standing before a warm, glowing background of yellow and orange, colors that symbolize light, energy, and spiritual awakening. This work was inspired by a dream in which I experienced a profound sense of calm and connection to myself, a moment where I felt fully present and mindful.

Through this painting, I wanted to capture the spiritual process of finding oneself—how peace often comes not from the outside world, but from within. It reflects the quiet strength, resilience, and beauty of embracing who you are, the stillness that allows you to listen to your own heart, and the journey toward understanding and nurturing your inner spirit. “Peace Passed Off Dreams” is both a meditation and a celebration of the sacred space we carry inside ourselves.