‘Self-Reliance’

In my artwork, “self Reliance,” I explore the transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. This piece delves into the theme of shedding preconceived notions and expectations instilled in us and the process of learning to rely on our inner strength when external support is no longer available

The central image of a young girl holding what appears to be her mother’s hand is a symbol of the initial stages of life, where we rely heavily on external guidance, love, and support. Yet, the hand she holds belongs to her older self. This creative twist underscores the theme of evolving from a state of dependency to one of self-reliance even when the dependancy might not want to falter on either side.

Through this artwork, I invite the viewer to reflect on their own path towards self-reliance and personal growth. We all carry with us the weight of past beliefs and societal expectations, and the process of breaking free from them can be challenging. However, the image of the little girl and her older self serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging us to embrace the wisdom within, foster self-reliance, and trust our inner compass.

‘Birthday Blues’

In my artwork, “Birthday Blues,” I wanted to encapsulate the feeling of “birthday blues.” This term captures the mixed feelings that often come with birthdays when our reality doesn’t quite match the expectations we had in mind. The piece features a cake placed inside a well-worn Converse shoe, symbolizing the transition from youth to adulthood and how this transformation can sometimes fall short of our youthful dreams.

The phrase “birthday blues” refers to the complex emotions that can arise as a birthday approaches or unfolds. It’s a time for self-reflection, where we reassess our lives and grapple with the gap between our youthful aspirations and the actual circumstances we find ourselves in. “Birthday Blues” visually embodies this concept, encouraging viewers to think about their own experiences and how their expectations have evolved as they’ve moved from adolescence to adulthood.

‘Reality of the expat’

In my artwork, you’ll find a woman shedding tears set against a backdrop of a tranquil waterfall scene. This image captures the mixed feelings of expatriates in the Netherlands, where the beautiful surroundings and warm culture can sometimes hide the fact that they often feel isolated and lonely.

The Dutch culture is known for its stunning landscapes and friendly people. However, for expats, it’s not always as idyllic as it seems. The woman’s tears represent the emotional challenges they face. The peaceful waterfall picture represents the beauty that draws expats to the Netherlands. The contrast between this serenity and the woman’s tears shows the emotional ups and downs of living abroad.

Isolation for expats is common because Dutch society can be insular. While the Dutch are welcoming, building deep connections can be hard, especially when language and cultural barriers are involved. Expats might feel captivated by the country’s external charm but struggle to make meaningful connections and feel like they belong.

This artwork encourages us to think about the emotional side of expat life. It’s a portrayal of the hidden challenges that expats go through, even in a beautiful country like the Netherlands. The woman’s loneliness shows the inner battles that many expats face, despite the welcoming atmosphere.