Emerald Barkley

As one aspect of self dies, so does another piece of ourselves begin to grow. Identity in transition.

In our youth we are filled with a romantic idealism that tells us that we will change the world. The world is full of possibilities. We are young and invincible, and we have such strong ideas. That we will make a difference is something that we take for granted, because how could we not?
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In reality, as we first enter into the adult world we have very little idea as to who we are, where our passions like, and what we want to do.  While I don't like the idea of white as a way to convey purity, I chose to work in a high key for this piece to illustrate that I don't think we are fully saturated at this point. We aren't done learning how to take in light and reflect it back. •

A heart can fester and rot when your idealism is up against the world's many injustices and it seems to fall short. Don't let yourself become poisonous and toxic as you make your way through this life. This is as much a reminder to myself as it is a please to to others. The world needs more from than your cynicism right now. 

This world can make you cynical as it crushes your idealism. But if you allow yourself to rebuild your heart, and not banish the cynicism that the world will give you but instead allow that to inform your compassion, you repair yourself with gold. The cracks are where the light gets in.