The Nest explores the duality of a nest being comforting, yet confining and the internal struggle that arises when leaving said space. Embarking on my personal art journey has been a leap of faith much like stepping over the edge of ones nest. This piece builds on a photograph from my past, expanded with layers of paper, charcoal, and ink. Using handmade brushes from gathered pine-straw and sticks allows for textural mark making and surface build up with acrylic medium. The exaggerated figure fills the space while keeping herself tucked in, tentatively pushing her foot to the edge. Getting lost in the fluidity of contours is my favorite space on a canvas and I love the process of adding layers of past artwork, a variety of papers, and marks, which opens a space of endless exploration.