OWN STARThis piece is a tribute to the stars I never earned—the ones carefully placed on perfect papers, given to the kids who excelled. I always watched as others were rewarded, feeling like I didn’t quite measure up. So, in this self-portrait, I give myself the star I never earned. I’ve always been insecure about my teeth. Growing up, people would make comments about them, calling them ugly. But art has taught me something life never did—I don’t need permission to celebrate myself. By placing the sparkly silver star on something I used to loathe, I can now be proud with or without anyones approval. The stars in the background are my dreams and aspirations. One day, I will place those stars upon my own achievements, just as I have done here. |