Resilience:Liza Davis

“Resilience,” 17” x 33,” Prismacolor, Holbein and Derwent colored pencils on Strathmore 500 series cold pressed illustration board, using my own reference photographs and imagination.

We all face and suffer challenges that emanate from fear, loss, trauma, and personal obstacles. These trials can leave behind scars, darkness, weakness and doubt. Instead of letting these trying experiences break us down, we should allow them be the driving force behind fortifying our inner soul, in order to achieve our deepest goals, desires, and dreams. Ambition is not tainted or broken by these barriers. We gain the ability to develop and grow as we absorb and advance through life’s arduous lessons. We transform as we utilize these burdensome stepping stones as a foundation to recover, rebuild and succeed. I used chiaroscuro to capture this concept in my piece. Water illustrates a reflection of our inner self, personal emotions, thoughts, and how others may perceive us. Peacock feathers and butterflies represent rebirth, wisdom, strength, love, and embracing hope and freedom. This piece symbolizes a journey and metamorphosis through, and as a result of, personal hardships. A transformation occurs through time and change, by healing and cleansing, as we conquer our dreams, achieve our goals, and tell a magnificent story of our triumphs and victories.