Resilience

Resilience came from thinking about the part of strength we don't usually see.

We often admire people for how much they can carry. For continuing, adapting, showing up, finding a way forward. But I became interested in what happens underneath all of that.

The figure is curled into herself, almost as if she needs a moment away from the world. She isn't defeated, but she is tired. And for me, that became the heart of the painting.

Because resilience isn't always standing tall.
Sometimes it's exhaustion.
Sometimes it's retreating.
Sometimes it's allowing yourself to be vulnerable before finding the strength to move again.

I wanted to paint that space in between, when someone is still strong, but no longer pretending that strength comes without a cost.

The piano adds some delicacy, and I can almost hear the sound of the keys as she sits on them, exhausted.