These pieces are some reflections on my relationship with my teenage self and were made 3 years apart. 2024 (acrylic on wood) vs 2021 (digital) As a kid, I spent so much time trying to figure out how to be cooler, more likable, less anxious — I can’t even count how many nights I spent watching “how to be confident” videos under the covers before bed. I drew myself as birds, creatures, blank figures, because it was so hard to see myself staring back at me. And I suppose as I got older, I started to resent the fact that I “wasted” so much time on these worries. I think that strained relationship definitely comes through in the first iteration’s cool tones, dogged pencil markings, and somewhat mournful expressions. In the most recent painting, however, you’ll find it explores the same concept but in a much kinder, more lighthearted way. All of these changes reflect the ways that I’ve begun to be more compassionate towards myself not only in the present but in the past as well. This process definitely reminded me why it can be so eye-opening to redraw something once some time has passed ❤️🩹🌟🕊️🌱
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