Growing up with the belief that love conquers all can become a painful illusion once that veil begins to lift. Longing often remains, but clarity comes at a price.
I was deeply moved by this line from The Little Prince:

“I thought I was rich, with a flower that was unique in all the world; and all I had was a common rose.”

Perhaps “forever” belongs mostly to poetry, paintings, and fairy tales. You cannot force people to love you — just as you cannot force roses to bloom. Sometimes they must lose their petals so others may flourish in their own time.

This work also reflects my early relationship with acrylics, which began on cardboard rather than canvas. I wanted more space, but I was not yet ready to claim canvas — as if it were reserved for “real painters.”

Cardboard still holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me that confidence is built through imperfect steps, and that vulnerability can be a compass.