Whispering Echoes Series: 3, Unfolding
Artwork on the concept of taking space
I'm really excited to share a painting from my Whispering Echoes series called "Unfolding." It's a painting that means a lot to me because it's about something I've struggled with for a long time: taking up space.
Taking up space isn't just about physical room; it's also about making your presence felt emotionally and in relationships. Personally, I've often felt the need to make myself smaller, like I'm protecting myself inside an invisible shell. This shows up in everyday life, like when I'm on a crowded local train and try to be as compact as possible or when I walk along the edge of the footpath instead of using the whole path.
It even affects how I interact with people – I'm a great listener, but I struggle to express myself and my own needs.In relationships, I've become known as the person who's always there to listen. People appreciate that, but it's tough when it's my turn to speak up. I've wondered who I really am if I'm just reflection of others and being what they want me to be.
My journey to take up space, especially emotionally and in relationships, is just beginning. I'm starting with the basics, like standing tall and taking confident steps, and maybe even trying to express myself through dancing.
Creating "Unfolding" was challenging because I kept wanting to make the figure in the painting small, almost fading into the background. But you'll see that the figure is in a fetal position that's not entirely closed. That represents my ongoing struggle to assert myself, one small step at a time.
I want to stress that taking these baby steps is crucial. Just because I'm aware of my struggle doesn't mean I'll magically transform overnight. Healing is a slow process, and it doesn't follow a straight line. Some days, I'll retreat into my shell, and that's okay.
In a nutshell, "Unfolding" reminds me of my journey to claim my space, whether it's physical, emotional, or in relationships. It's a reminder that healing takes time, with both progress and moments of reflection along the way. I'm ready to embrace this journey, knowing that every little step matters, no matter how small.
Happy Creating.