I Went to the Jungle – A Journey of Self-Discovery and Resilience

We all face dark times in our lives, moments when change feels overwhelming. Sometimes we resist it, while other times we embrace it. In my abstract painting I Went to the Jungle, I aimed to capture this duality within ourselves—our fragility and strength, our resistance and submission when confronted with transformation. This artwork represents my personal journey of self-discovery and resilience, where I learned to understand and embrace change rather than resist it.

The Process of Creation

I Went to the Jungle is a diptych created exclusively in black and white, with textures, sheen, and genuine 24k gold leaf to reflect the delicate balance of our human spirit—both fragile and strong. Typically, I apply gold leaf at the very end of a piece, allowing it to stand out as a symbol of beauty and worth. Gold has always represented beauty and divinity to me, and this symbolism has been a central part of my work.

However, with this painting, I felt compelled to cover the gold leaf, an unusual decision for me. The day I gave birth was the day I met the divine, and it transformed my understanding of beauty and spirituality. Before my daughter, I identified with the gold leaf in my work—it was a part of me that I valued and protected. But with this painting, I found myself obscuring it, symbolizing the profound shift in my identity. The gold is still there, but now it’s hidden beneath layers, just as parts of myself have been reshaped and redefined by motherhood. This decision was both intuitive and deeply personal, reflecting the complexity of change and the hidden strengths that emerge when we undergo profound transformations.

The Jungle Within

Before I became pregnant, I had already begun the process of doing the inner work—exploring my thoughts, emotions, and spiritual self. But pregnancy was a catalyst that forced me to throw myself into this work more deeply than ever before. It was a time of immense spiritual, mental, and emotional change, and it felt as though I was venturing into the depths of a jungle, navigating uncharted territory within myself. Hence, the title I Went to the Jungle. This painting is not just a reflection of my journey through pregnancy but also a testament to the inner work that we all must face at some point in our lives.

The Painting’s Meaning

This painting is deeply personal, yet it speaks to a universal experience of overcoming struggles and emerging stronger. Through the process of self-discovery, transformation, and resilience, we learn more about ourselves than ever before. We uncover our capacity to endure, the sources of our joy, and the things that give us strength—truths that no one else can reveal to us.

We all have a unique story that shapes who we are; each one is valuable and meaningful in its own right. With I Went to the Jungle, I wanted to share my story while also offering others a chance to reflect on their own journeys of self-understanding. This work serves as a reminder that, regardless of where you come from or what you’ve been through, if you stay true to yourself, you will always emerge stronger in the end.

If you’d like to purchase this artwork, please email me.