Part flower, part-organ, part-storm, part-moodscape and part Portuguese Man O’ War Jellyfish, Armada pays tribute to the formidable resilience and strength innate within a difficult woman. 

The form depicted within this painting symbolises the cyclical, often turbulent and seemingly neverending fight to hold onto, claim or re-claim our agency, identity and purpose as women… all the while striving to stay soft in a hard world, to find light amongst the shadows.

At the centre of the work the bright, burning pink glow represents the inner self: That part of ourselves we need to protect but, at the same time, seek to free.

This painting is inspired by the story of my Mum’s late stage cancer diagnosis in 2021 and her defiance of all medical odds in the 5-year journey following. While I wouldn’t wish what she’s gone through on my worst enemy, this experience has brought us closer as Mother and Daughter and has taught me the power of owning your choices, knowing your own mind and the inner power that comes with backing yourself even when there’s not many people in your corner.

Just like my Mum, my stubbornness is my survival. 

Womanhood can be a battleground. But we will win.

This piece is apart of the 2026 International Women's Day Exhibition 'Her Voice: Stories of Strength & Identity'.