In my experience, to be free means to be yourself. I’ve always been held to a certain standard: get good grades, act a certain way, dress a certain way, and “why don’t you do this or do that?” I’ve always felt trapped, my family always trying to make me someone that I wasn’t. I tried to fit that standard until I realized—that wasn’t what I wanted to be, it’s what my family wanted me to be. I thought I was doing the right thing by making them happy, but I wasn’t making myself happy. Eventually I got tired of being held to that standard and began to live my life, doing what I want, and making my own life choices. Some might say it’s rebellious of me, but I don’t care what others say because it’s my life.

When you look at my painting you will see the wings of freedom. A chain broken while birds fly, scattering through the sky, headed towards the sun and not looking back. You will see a free spirit, something peaceful. You will read independence. You will feel the wind blowing through your hair.

I hope this image gives the message of escape and freedom. Escape from your old self and worries. Be free from bad situations, and take care of yourself. The choice I made is to show the new beginning of something incredible.