Teacher: Kathryn McNulty
Grade: 12
Materials: Acrylic paint on canvas
Dimensions: 12×18
Artist Statement:
This piece represents resilience and strength, shown through the image of me sitting in a lotus flower on a peaceful pond. The lotus symbolizes growth and transformation, reflecting my journey of overcoming challenges and finding inner peace. Wearing a hijab, I’m embracing my identity and the personal strength that guides me. Holding myself in a gesture of self-love and compassion, I’m surrounded by light shining from my chest—a symbol of hope and the power that comes from within. Behind me, a waterfall and a mountain remind me of life’s constant flow and the beauty that comes with overcoming obstacles. The olive tree stands for peace, wisdom, and the resilience to keep going. The lotus flowers in the pond represent how we can always grow, even when life gets tough. This piece is about the dreams we hold inside—about self-compassion, healing, and the light we carry with us.
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