“Crisalide” – Painting

I first began working on this piece when I was feeling lost in life. At that time, I felt insecure as I was second-guessing my wish to pursue a career as an artist.
Nevertheless, I decided to break free from this cocoon of self-doubt by pouring all of myself into a painting.
The emotions I was going through – a paralyzing fear of failure and rejection, but also a strong desire to pursue my dreams  – effortlessly flowed into the creation of this piece.
This was the first time I was brave enough to channel my emotions in a painting, and it allowed me to grow as an artist and as a person. I have always perceived hands as an extraordinary expressive subject to paint, and I like to portray them as a medium to convey feelings silently yet eloquently.

The Acherontia Atropos moth is the symbol of my darkest thoughts and fears, that I have now learned to face and, more importantly, embrace. The grape leaves represent growth, hope, and nourishment of the soul, while also being a reminder of my childhood and origins.