I decided to create this painting as my first self-portrait, inspired by the ache I felt growing up, of having so much love to give but no one to give it to. As a teen, I would fantasize about finding the one, what he would look like and what music we would listen to: “September 17th, I just pressed play on Somebody Else by The 1975 ready to have it on repeat until I fall asleep. I let my mind wander to the thoughts of what it’s like to be kissed. I wonder what it’s like to get a goodnight text. Maybe I’m too young or maybe I’ll never get to know love. My heart aches for a love I’ve imagined.”