Amanda Gorman

This soft pastel piece started as a simple portrait, inspired by Amanda Gorman's powerful presence at the inauguration. I wanted to capture her spirit, the way she commands attention with her words. But then I made a mistake, a technical one – spraying the pastel too much and darkening the piece. I almost gave up. But instead, I adapted. I cut out the part I loved and built upon it, creating something even stronger. That's when I realized this wasn't just a portrait anymore; it was about her voice. The second face in profile, the blended microphone, the earrings – they all symbolize the echoes of her poetry, her multifaceted identity, and the enduring impact she has as both an activist and a poet. This piece is a reminder that creativity is fluid, and that even mistakes can lead to powerful breakthroughs, especially when celebrating voices like Amanda Gorman's.