My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated. ~ Maya Angelou
This painting captures the timeless dance between the sun and moon, a visual representation of resilience and strength inspired by Maya Angelou’s powerful poem, Still I Rise.
I’ve always loved Still I Rise—it’s a poem I’ve turned to during moments of self-doubt. Maya Angelou’s words resonate deeply with me, and a few of my paintings, including Energy of Becoming, have been inspired by her wisdom.
Hearing her read Still I Rise for the first time was a transformative moment. Her voice carried so much passion that I felt compelled to paint. As I listened, each brushstroke was guided by the rhythm of her words, infusing the piece with the strength and determination her poem embodies.
In I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou shares a traumatic childhood experience that left her mute for years. Yet, she not only overcame adversity—she thrived. But adversity isn’t a one-time event. In my own life, just when I catch my breath, it often feels like life says, “Good job—here’s another challenge.” People have told me, “You don’t deserve this,” and it’s easy to fall into self-pity. But as spiritual teacher Caroline Myss asks, “If not you, then who?” Who truly deserves hardship?
Pain doesn’t discriminate—neither wealth nor hard work shields anyone from suffering. Trauma shapes us, but support, resilience, and self-understanding help us rise above it. I’ve been fortunate to have people in my life who uplift me, and I hope my art does the same for others.
The sun and moon in this painting reflect the spirit of Still I Rise—rising above challenges, embracing both fire and grace, and shining through every circumstance. This piece is a tribute to that unstoppable spirit, a reminder that no matter what, we can rise.
