Still Trying

Still Trying is a portrait that does not depict serenity, but effort. It portrays a figure carrying emotional noise, conflicting thoughts, and an inner burden. Yet amidst it all, the figure chooses to hold a rose - a small gesture of love. The rose, held gently between the teeth rather than in the hands, symbolizes the attempt to keep giving, to remain close, and to stay emotionally present, even when words refuse to come easily. It captures a moment of choice: not to surrender to pain, but to hold on to what is still possible. The background, composed of vibrant colors and geometric forms, represents the noise of the outside world and the emotional overwhelm that surrounds the figure from every direction. Despite this, the figure is not consumed by it. Instead, they continue to turn toward the possibility of tenderness, connection, and hope. This work explores the idea of quiet resilience. It is not about overcoming hardship, but about the daily decision to keep trying - to offer love even when the heart feels heavy, and to choose softness when the world invites us to withdraw. I create from my inner world, and the face is always my starting point. It leads me toward the story that gradually reveals itself throughout the creative process. I am not seeking to portray a particular person, but rather a universal human emotion—one that often exists beneath the surface, somewhere between pain and hope, between fragmentation and tenderness. My hope is that everyone who encounters this work will recognize a part of themselves within it, and, if only for a moment, feel that they are not alone.