Ethiopian Mermaid – Watercolor on Paper

Based on a candid photo of my daughter, Ayana, this painting captures her in her absolute element. While her body glides through the water, the surface refraction fractures her face into pieces of light and reflection. This visual distortion serves as a poignant parallel to how she is often perceived by the world. While she is full of brilliance and sharp humor, those traits can feel obscured to others—fragmented like the light on the water. This piece honors her depth, acknowledging a vibrant spirit that remains whole beneath the surface—a brilliance missed only by the unwilling or the unfortunate. Ultimately, it is their loss not to truly see her.