This painting is a traditional mixed media painting that features acrylic, pen, marker, pencil and gold leaf to represent finding balance during the chaotic times of quarantine. This pandemic has given me many opportunities to do more art, and I feel this opportunity has really allowed me to focus on improving more and learning the techniques behind many famous and not-so-famous art styles. Over the course of the lockdown, I was able to devote more time to painting and experimenting with different mediums and techniques, which has really broadened my style and range of art styles that I can use to express myself and my views of the world. I have definitely used art as an outlet throughout the pandemic which has also grounded me and deepened my personal connection with my art and what it means to me. Living through a historical event has I think changed all of our perspectives whether that be about the world or about what’s right in front of us. We have all been through the same or similar hardships that came with quarantine and I think it has brought us all closer and made us all more compassionate towards one another. I think for others, it gave them the opportunity to be true to themselves and make the decisions that they needed to make for their own happiness and well-being, especially when it comes to relationships and self-care. At least for me, I feel that this pandemic has given me the ability to be more independent and resilient, and has allowed me to distance myself from those that have impeded my personal growth and success in the past.