




Guarded, 2023
Oil on canvas
30in x 40in
We create armors in order to protect ourselves
I stand, a fortress of solitude, my body a shield against the world. The past, a heavy weight, casts a long shadow over my present. My hair, once a symbol of freedom, now a barrier, both protecting and imprisoning.
This mask I wear, hides a vulnerable soul. I yearn to break free from this self-imposed exile, to shed the armor that has become a part of me. I long for connection, for love, safety, but the walls I have forged stand tall, blocking any attempt to bridge the gap.
To truly grow, I must turn my attention inward. I must learn to nurture my soul. By practicing self-compassion, I can begin to dismantle the walls I have built. I can learn to trust myself, to believe in my own worthiness, and to embrace the beauty of vulnerability. As I pour love into myself, I will naturally attract love from others.
To inquire, email artbyros.raissa@gmail.com.















