'To see the world as is, and to love it.'

The sense of hopelessness and helplessness had followed me through my whole life. Growing up in a broken, toxic family, I had always felt unlucky and the world owed me. Not until recent years, I realized that everyone has their own story, and we are not all that different navigating this life.

This spring, after a long year of hustling in 2024, my brain was tired and refused to work. I embraced this opportunity and read some books from my childhood time, those articles that I had to recite in middle school for tests and hated. After 20 years of real life experience, these articles strike differently. I especially love this writer who lost his legs at age 21. I cried through many nights following his journey from resenting to loving life. I felt ashamed that I was unhappy as a perfectly healthy person who had the privilege to pursue my dreams.

This world is imperfect just like us. I often feel everything is burning down around me. However, I have this seed of hope in my heart. Sometimes it needs my tear to bloom.

Multi-media on canvas. Layers of ink, acrylic, and oil finish for this painting.

Framed in raw maple floater frame. Wire at the back for hanging

19"x25"x1.5"