Thought, Reflection is a self-identity portrait. It blends both the past and the present together, with its main focus on my Native American heritage. 

This portrait came into being due to a struggle with my identity. This struggle stemmed from an experience in high school, when 'friends' of mine claimed I cannot be Native American... I cannot be myself as I am. This hurt me, and caused self doubt to form over the years. Eventually, the doubt led to an internal tug-o-war between the Native American part of me, and the white part of me. 

 (The) painting became a channel for all those emotions, and blended both sides together into one piece. As I reflected on this painting, I realized too that it had brought me together internally.

"A quiet girl, deep in thought, reflecting on the conflicts of the past and present."

Thought, Reflection.

Extras