Growing Pains

Medium: Digital (Procreate)

Size: 22” x 30” (300 DPI)

Title: Growing Pains (Option A - Adorned Body)

I chose to convey the idea of growth and the discomfort and pain that comes with that growth. As I have turned twenty and even a bit before that, I find myself having more and more clarity on life and myself, but with that clarity comes truths that I cannot ignore. I have become more mature and realized all the solutions to the problems I had in my youth, how I could have solved them but know that it is too late, it is upsetting, but all a part of growth. I wanted to adorn my body with flowers as they are a symbol of rebirth, every so often I have a moment where I realize everything is going to be okay and I feel as though I can do anything and it is as if I have been reborn into this new persona who is capable of anything. I also made vines with thorns wrapping around and piercing into my skin to signify the pain aspect. Essentially I am sitting on a reinterpretation of the floral tattoo I have on my left arm, which also has a moon in it. I am up in space, which represents an aspect of myself that is nearly always in the clouds, in a different world. Growth is difficult and often painful, but even still I accept this fact and reach out to observe it’s beauty and wisdom.