Core Memory: Letting Go
24” x 36”
Acrylic on canvas with thread embroidery
2024
This piece captures a pivotal moment of transition: moving between worlds, roles, and homes. It reflects the profound transformation this shift has brought, not just for the bride depicted, but for everyone around her.
In the composition, the bride’s parents are painted with two hands each, symbolizing their nurturing and protective presence. The bride and groom, in contrast, are shown with one hand each, unified as they step into their shared future. The ethereal background conveys the surreal stillness felt through this transition, while the tree motif on the mother’s shawl symbolizes grounding, stability, and connection to one’s roots.
The lush green garlands around the couple symbolize the growth and blossoming love they will cultivate throughout their journey together. I added sunlit highlights to embody hope and the possibilities of their future. A significant detail is the red-yellow ritual thread I sewed onto each figure’s hands. This traditional symbol of protection and eternal bonds reflects the ties that will forever connect the couple to their loved ones.
Through this piece, I explored my own emotional landscape around the enduring strength of change between tradition, identity, and the infinite potential of love.