The Emotional Landscape
I Am Here, But Not For You is a quiet act of defiance – a refusal to perform, please, or perfect. It marks the moment when self-expression becomes instinctive, no longer curated for approval or softened for comfort. The figure is present, but not available for consumption. She says: I exist, but not for your comfort.
This piece speaks to a feeling many women know well – the subtle ache of being seen but not truly known, admired but not understood. It reflects the emotional exhaustion of being shaped by external expectations – shrinking, softening, or editing ourselves to be more desirable, acceptable, or palatable. This painting is a reclamation of space, softness, and autonomy. It’s about no longer asking for permission to take up space, but simply claiming it.
The Story of Creation
The soft, grounded figure came to life almost unconsciously, carrying the quiet weight of a truth I hadn’t yet spoken. The muted earthy tones mirror the way women often fade into expectations – to be neutral, agreeable, pleasing. But within those tones is a quiet revolution: the choice to stop performing and start existing on our own terms.
I didn’t go back to perfect it. To do so would have stripped away the honesty that makes it whole. This piece marked a shift in how I create – a step away from performance and toward presence.
Personal Connection
This piece emerged during a time when I was reckoning with how often I had made myself smaller – more manageable, more “likable.” It felt like an undoing. Through this painting, I allowed myself to take up space without apology. Not to be seen through someone else’s eyes, but to see myself clearly.
It reminded me of the difference between being observed and being understood – how freeing it is to exist without expectation. To be surrounded by female friendships, or moments of solitude, where you are not performing but simply being. I Am Here, But Not For You is a quiet, powerful reminder that we don’t have to prove our worth to be worthy.
Display recommendations
Size: 39.5” x 32”
Medium: Acrylic paint on canvas
This dynamic artwork is best displayed in spaces where its raw energy can truly shine. It makes a striking focal point on a neutral-toned wall, ideal for living rooms, gallery spaces, or creative studios. To enhance its spontaneity and energy, pair it with soft, warm lighting that accentuates the textured brushstrokes. Whether in a collection or as a daily reminder, this piece invites viewers to engage with the unfiltered beauty of creation in any environment.