I Am Still Growing

“I Am Still Growing” shows a girl surrounded by flowers and leaves. At first, she may seem quiet or a little sad, with a pale expression and soft gaze. Parts of her face appear separated into sections, and within those spaces, flowers are growing. I wanted to show that even when someone feels disconnected or unsure, there is still something inside them that continues to grow.

This idea was partly inspired by people around me. My aunt lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), and through her, I’ve noticed how this condition can affect not just the body, but also a person’s emotions and presence. Sometimes there is a quiet tiredness, or a softness in the way they look at the world. I have also seen other young women with similar conditions, and in their expressions there can be a mix of fragility and strength at the same time.

The flowers are not just decorative. They represent growth during difficult or uncertain moments. Even when life feels unpredictable or overwhelming, growth does not stop. It can be slow and quiet, but it is still there.

The leaves around her hands suggest movement, like she is trying to push through something that is blocking her view. This could be emotions, pressure, or the challenges that come with living with a neurological condition. At the same time, it feels like she is reaching forward, trying to understand the world around her.

I used watercolour and marker to create both soft and detailed textures. The watercolour expresses emotion in a fluid and natural way, while the marker adds structure and contrast. This reflects the balance between vulnerability and strength.

Overall, this artwork is about not being completely okay, but still continuing to grow. Even in uncertain moments, there is still hope.