“You Are the Sun” by Melissa A. Carroll | 22”x 30” | Mixed Media on Cold Press Arches Watercolor Paper | Completed: August 27, 2023 Original Work 1/1 Description: This artwork delves into my journey as a premature baby battling for survival, narrating the countless challenges I have met since birth. Unlike the typical hospital setting, I entered the world in a Motel 6 room in Gallup, NM, grappling with complications affecting my breathing. Birch trees hold a special place in my heart, offering solace and peace. I relate myself to a birch tree, as my inherited wounds have gradually healed, and my intuition has strengthened over time, resembling eyes. Butterflies and bats stand for the contrast between daylight and nightfall, reflecting life’s difficulties. Sunflowers, my favorite, symbolize strength, warmth, and growth, while the chrysanthemum is my birth flower, and a daisy embodies innocence and purity. Despite setbacks, I persist, depicted by the heart symbolizing the warmth and security provided by myself. Art appeared as my sanctuary, offering a semblance of control, and playing a pivotal role in my development from childhood, young adulthood, to the present moment.
