The story of this commission portrait of Stefania, a dear childhood friend, has its anchors in our childhoods.

When we were teenagers, and life seemed overwhelming but exciting, the few kindred souls we managed to find gave us hope. Becoming aware of your peculiarity is not an easy concept to accept, and the company you find that is similar makes your loneliness less bitter.

As we followed our life paths, somehow, we weren’t really that far apart. Years later, when most needed, she was one of the few people that I was lucky enough to step up and give me purpose.

In this painting, I chose to show her as dark and predatory, a confident and strong creature that balances grace and danger. However, I kept the core of her kind and generous heart a secret for myself.

As creatives, we shine most when people fall in love with the magic we can share. Not only did she want to see herself through my eyes, but also trusted me when I was almost blinded by life’s darkness. Small acts of kindness are one of the most valuable gifts we can bestow upon our friends. And sometimes, just believing in someone who is struggling with their own existence and meaning can help in their healing.

Who knows, you might even get a beautiful portrait out of it.