I created this artwork back in 2018-2019. It was my junior year of high school and my digital design teacher told us we'd be doing a mini art exhibition in the library and to create whatever we wanted to describe ourselves as an animal. Lions are one of my favorite animals as they are a symbol of strength and raw power. Elephants are also strong but extremely intelligent. Unfortunately, they are poached for their ivory. Elephants, in my opinion, are a symbol of gentleness and perseverance. In my digital projects I'd always include something the reminded me of my family and my relationship with them. I have a good relationship with all my family and love them dearly. My mom and dad are both present in my life, but they are divorced and I, as well as my brother, live with our mom. My other brother Kesner is in prison carrying out an over-sentence. Though I am the youngest and the only girl, I've always felt as if I carried more weight on my shoulders compared to everyone else. I had to worry about school, cleaning, running errands for my mom, taking care of my mom, and meeting academic requirements so I could graduate. I'd have these breakdowns randomly whenever I was home because I didn't have a way to release any stress of step away from all the chaos. I did not want to let my family see me cry, especially my brother EJ because he was already trying to find his footsteps after college. On top of my worries, I was the one who made the family laugh and kept them in good spirits. I was also very protective of my family and still are. I love them so much and we have gone through so much as individuals and as a family. In my artwork I wanted to express how I viewed myself. I am strong. I can withstand a lot of things even though I know a long period of healing follows. My family could depend on me for anything. If my mom wanted me to do something, I would do it as soon as possible. If something were wrong with my brother, I would be the one he would talk to. My oldest brother Kesner would also confide in me whenever he needed to get something off his chest. The two elephants in the picture represent the family members I live with- my mom and older brother. I never told them the meaning of my artwork and I do not think I ever will. I do not want my family to feel like they were a burden to me. On the bright side, my artwork got the most compliments.