When I saw this girl, she reminded me of myself when I was younger.
Her shyness and the way she carries herself felt very familiar to me.
She is hearing-impaired and has a cochlear implant placed behind her ear. I have one too, so I understand her experience in a very personal way.
Together with my brother, we placed flowers around her implant not to hide it, but to make her feel more confident.
This painting is about a shared experience and the quiet strength behind it.