Reflection

Nature is very complex; it provides many answers, but at the same time, it creates many questions. To me, nature can feel very overwhelming, there is endless knowledge to learn and discover. The unknown can feel very daunting and oppressive. But on the other hand, the outside world is also jaw-droppingly beautiful and stunning. You can't help but stare in wonder, there is no other feeling like that in the world. The reason I decided to express my feelings through the depiction of waves is that even though the ocean can feel very unnerving, it is also a widely acknowledged icon of beauty. The layers of waves symbolize both the overflowing emotions that I experience at times when I am surrounded by nature. The figure at the bottom is immersed in the water as she looks up in awe, holding a book, symbolising everlasting curiosity. Being creative in this process left me extremely satisfied, as my thoughts are put into shapes and forms, contrary to staying within myself. I chose to use acrylic paints for my piece because of the opaqueness and control I can have during the process. This painting includes a lot of elements and techniques that I have never tried before, including creating realistic water and waves, so using a medium I have used before gave me the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. By exploring this theme, "Connections to Nature: Looking Inside, Going Outside," I was able to rethink my connection with nature. We spend so much time indoors that we forget there is an outside world that provides endless new and unique experiences. I hope all the viewers of this piece can feel that distinct, overwhelming, and captivating emotion nature bestows upon us.