Artwork 31 Carry me lightly

She closes her eyes. Not to turn away, but to be with herself for a moment. In silence, in gentleness. The red berries on her dress—perhaps cherries, perhaps something else—hang like memories on threads of thought. Everything in this portrait is light: the colors, the pose, the moment. And yet you sense something that lingers. Something that demands to be carried.

An ode to vulnerability, to silence, to how you can still gently carry something small and heavy.

This artwork is available both as an original and as prints in various sizes.

Oil painting on canvas. Dimensions: 100 x 40 cm.

Inspiration

I am an artist with deep roots in Armenian culture, a background both rich and complex, which continually inspires my work. My story begins in the Turkish part of Armenia, a region steeped in history and significance. Via Iraq, where my grandparents and parents were born, our family found a new home in the Netherlands almost 45 years ago.

This journey, made over generations, reflects the resilience and adaptability of the Armenian diaspora. As an artist, I feel deeply drawn to depicting and exploring my Armenian heritage at this stage in my life. Creating art is a way for me to connect with my roots, understand where I come from, and unravel the layers of my identity.

The diaspora experience often raises questions about who we are and where we belong. For many of us, it's essential to know who we are, to understand how our history has shaped us, and to cherish that knowledge as a source of strength. My art is a response to these questions, a way to keep the stories of my ancestors alive and place their experiences in a new context.

For me, the creative process is both a personal journey and a universal exploration of identity. Through my work, I strive to capture the rich Armenian culture, the stories passed down through generations, and the feelings of loss, hope, and reconstruction shared by so many people in the diaspora. My art is an invitation to reflect together on what it means to belong to a culture with a deep, complex history, and to integrate that history into our current lives with pride and awareness.

Identity isn't static; it's a living, evolving process that shapes us and influences our life path. Through my work, I seek not only to explore my own roots but also to inspire others to do the same. It's a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and how we can use our unique experiences to enrich our lives and the world around us.

Prints

Read all about the options for fine art prints, posters, and aluminum dibond .

Send

Before ordering, please read the shipping information .