“Dear Mama” captures a moment of pride, love, and foundation. The image reflects a childhood memory, my mother holding me close during an elementary school awards ceremony, a moment that, at the time, felt simple but now carries profound weight.

This piece sits within the Trauma section not because of the memory itself, but because of the loss that reshaped its meaning. In August 2025, my mother passed away. That loss created a void that reframed moments like this, turning them into emotional anchors, reminders of who she was, what she poured into me, and the foundation she helped build.

My mother was my introduction to both art and entrepreneurship. She saw something in me early, celebrated it, and nurtured it. This piece is a reflection of that belief, her pride, her presence, and her influence.

The title draws inspiration from Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur, a tribute that honors the complexity, sacrifice, and unconditional love of a mother. In that same spirit, this painting is both remembrance and gratitude.

Though rooted in trauma, this piece is equally about appreciation. It is a thank you. It is recognition. It is love, preserved in a moment.

Dear Mama, you are appreciated.