Awakening Her Truth
The story behind the artwork
Inspired by the effortless sense of freedom found in the South of France, Awakening Her Truth embodies themes of self-love, autonomy, and resilience. More than an act of creation, it is an act of reclamation, challenging conventional portrayals of women’s bodies and rewriting those narratives through the female gaze.
Each brushstroke speaks to the strength and complexity women carry, reflecting the layered emotions we navigate in our ongoing journey of self-discovery.
This piece marks a pivotal moment of release and acceptance, an invitation to embrace imperfection and the nonlinear nature of healing. After years of sidelining my art in favour of life’s “obligations,” painting this piece reignited the quiet joy that comes from creative freedom. Approaching the canvas without the pressure of perfectionism became a transformative act, rooted in the belief that simply beginning, taking that first step, however imperfectly, is a triumph in itself.
That openness was deeply shaped by the South of France, where a carefree spirit meets the courage to let go.
Visual elements
Meaning and intent
At its heart, this painting is about reclaiming autonomy over one’s body and challenging the cultural narratives that have long objectified women. It is a declaration of empowerment, a celebration of self-love, and a reminder that women deserve to be seen, heard, and valued.
This was also my first time working on a canvas of this scale, a personal expansion, both physically and artistically. The decision to go bigger was not just technical; it was a bold act of self-assertion. It meant taking up space without apology.
The painting demands to be seen. Through this process of creative expression, I’ve come to honour imperfection and vulnerability as necessary parts of growth.