This painting was inspired by my own journey of transformation—growing into confidence as both a person and an artist. Since childhood, I’ve carried a protective shell that kept me safe but also left me isolated, shaped by shyness, self-doubt, and fear. That shell became both comfort and limitation.

In this piece, I wanted to capture the feeling of stepping out of that shell—vulnerable, awkward, and not fully graceful, yet present and moving toward a freer self. The pose of the figure is intentionally stiff, as if she’s trying to appear graceful but can’t quite hide the tension. To me, that awkwardness is essential: it represents the courage it takes to embrace change before you feel ready, and the beauty in growth that doesn’t have to be perfect.