There are moments as a parent that stretch you in ways you never imagined—moments when love asks you to let go, even just a little, and trust the strength of someone you've watched grow from the very beginning. Girl with a Camera was born from one of those moments.
Recently, my daughter—just 17—embarked on her very first solo trip to Taiwan. It was a decision that required no small amount of courage, from both of us. Letting her go felt like standing on the edge of something vast, equal parts pride and worry, excitement and vulnerability. She was determined, brave, and ready to see the world through her own eyes. And while she traveled, I found myself painting.
Girl with a Camera began in her absence, but in many ways, she is woven into every brushstroke. In the painting, a young woman stands calmly, a camera suspended at her hips, her gaze meeting the viewer's with a quiet steadiness. Around her, magnolia, lotus, and white poppies bloom—symbols of resilience, transformation, and peace. Behind her, an old window frames the scene, suggesting both distance and closeness, like watching a loved one move beyond the familiar while still feeling deeply connected.
The camera, to me, represents more than photography. It’s a way of seeing, of capturing moments, of exploring the world while making sense of it. It’s also a symbol of pause—of observation before reaction. Much like this journey into young adulthood.
Painting this piece was both an emotional anchor and a release. It helped me process my own mix of feelings—letting go, holding on, trusting, and celebrating the strength of a young woman stepping into herself.
Girl with a Camera is now available as a Giclée fine art print, produced on beautiful Hahnemühle German Etching paper to preserve every detail and nuance. It's for anyone who knows what it feels like to love deeply, to watch someone you care for grow, or to stand at the edge of change with your heart full.
You can view or purchase the print here:
👉 Girl with a Camera – Fine Art Print
Thank you for letting me share a little of the story behind the work. I hope it resonates in your own way.
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