Shielded
Michelle V.
Acrylic Paint, Gesso on Canvas
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Growing up is hard. Sometimes it's easy to forget the little kid that you used to be. For others, it's almost impossible to forget or even stop mourning that version of yourself. This piece highlights how childhood trauma and abuse can linger into adolescence. The image of hands covering the younger self's eyes shows a desire to shield that innocence. The older self's open eyes reveal an awareness of the world. The monochromatic red ties both versions together, emphasizing their connection. Despite occasional disconnect, the inner child persists, reminding us that little kid that lives in you still exists.
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Creativity is a special form of love. It lets me capture life, from small thoughts to different perspectives on the large world. Through art, I find the beauty in humankind and express my own unique visual and written take on it—then others create their own views on my take.