About this Artwork:

VIII

Gouache and embroidery on watercolor paper

11x14 (unframed)

2024

In Hope and Renewal Series

A leaf can symbolize hope, as it decomposes and nourishes the earth, preparing for new growth. This connects to the idea of cycles and renewal, where the end of one phase gives way to the beginning of another, offering a sense of rebirth and second chances. Every leaf is colored distinctly, representing individuality and the uniqueness of each person or life. Even in a broader context—such as in a forest or a tree full of leaves—each leaf is one of a kind, a symbol of personal identity amidst a collective whole. I am often taken aback by the intense beauty of a perfectly simple leaf. As we navigate a world of despair, overstimulation, confusion, hate and fear, it is only fitting that the extraordinary details in nature keep us in check. They are the balance needed to charge ahead in hope, a reminder that seeing a leaf up close is a privilege, so is a single day, a loving glance and the smile of someone we love.