This piece was inspired by a deeply personal experience that I had, one that left me questioning my own sanity and struggling with intense fear and anxiety.
You see, I experienced my second tactile hallucination, a sensation that left me feeling as though a non-existent centipede was crawling inside my ear. As an artist, I am no stranger to exploring complex emotions and expressing them through my art. However, this experience left me questioning whether I could trust my own mind and searching for answers that seemed elusive.
Through this process, I found myself in a state of emotional upheaval, feeling lost and uncertain about my future. As a post-graduate twenty-something trying to find my footing in the world, the thought of losing my mind and becoming indentured to the people around me was overwhelming.
However, through the creation of this artwork, I came to a powerful realization. I recognized that, in limiting myself to creating only lemonade, I was preventing myself from exploring the endless possibilities that existed within me. I discovered that the lemons in my life could be used to create an array of unique and exciting creations, from lemon meringue pie to candied lemon slices.
At the same time, I realized that there were some things in my life, such as my mental health issues, that may never change. In these instances, I found that acceptance rather than trying to force change was necessary for my own wellbeing.
This artwork is a testament to the power of creativity, acceptance, and self-discovery. It serves as a reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, we have the ability to find beauty and meaning in our experiences. I hope that it will inspire and encourage you to embrace the lemons in your own life, and to find peace and acceptance in the face of adversity. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you through this piece.