“Flame Underwater” reflects what it felt like for the artist to grow up carrying a quiet fire in a place that demanded perfection. She learned to survive by being “the example,” holding herself to a standard no one else was expected to meet, even when all she wanted was permission to be human. This piece captures the tension of keeping her inner flame alive beneath the weight of judgment and expectation. As an adult, her work has been unlearning the belief that she must remain composed, correct, or unfailingly strong. She realized she could easily offer others the grace to be imperfect, but rarely allowed herself that same safety. “Flame Underwater” stands as the reminder that her fire survived — even there — and that she is allowed to rise with it now.