The Rose Metaphor
The Brief
This artwork is a visual meditation on the fragility of connection. Inspired by the handwritten mantra included in the composition—"love is like a rose, you have to take care"—the objective was to illustrate the act of emotional nurturing. The challenge was to take a classic sentiment and elevate it beyond the cliché, creating a piece that feels intimate, tactile, and like a diary entry come to life.
The Concept
The composition is built around the intersection of text and texture. The vintage paper
with my own handwriting serves as the emotional anchor, grounding the surreal elements
in raw, human vulnerability.
Although the text speaks of a rose, I chose lush, soft pink blossoms to overtake the
profile, symbolizing the flourishing state of a well-tended mind and heart. To add a
layer of grace and movement, I introduced a swan in flight—a classic symbol of beauty
and lifelong partnership—weaving through the floral arrangement. The glitter texture on
the skin suggests that love leaves a mark, a shimmering residue on our identity. It is a
portrait of softness as a strength.
