BECOMING MYSELF
Created for the Mastrius online exhibit, The Stranger Within.
A triptych with embroidered phrases that represent breaking negative thought spirals, tracing the transition from self-criticism to belonging and self-affirmation.
tangled | 4 x 6 in. | gouache & cotton thread on watercolor paper
between | 6 x 6 in. | oil & cotton thread on canvas
blooming | 4 x 6 in. | oil, cotton & metallic thread on canvas paper
Each piece is a small step toward allowing myself to be seen, imperfect and in progress.
In Tangled, the phrase "Am I good enough" is repeated until highlighted stitches reveal the affirmation "I am enough." I believed this piece was a failed attempt until feedback from the group helped me see that my intent was already there, I just couldn’t recognize it through my lens of self-doubt.
Between starts with "I don't belong here" and ends with "I belong here.” It reflects a moment of imposter syndrome… an unsure, tentative reach toward an idea I wasn’t confident I could express.
The final piece, Blooming, ends the spiral with both positive phrases as a final reframing of one’s thoughts. With the flower emerging from play and experimentation, painting the way I want to paint instead of how I think I should paint, it represents where I am now: still becoming, still uncovering the stranger within, both as an artist and a person.
I am learning that as I am, I am enough, and I do belong here.
Want to see the full exhibit?
The Stranger Within explores the hidden layers of identity and the courage it takes to be seen.
Meet our Mastrius mentorship group and hear the stories behind our collective journey.
