Each piece features feathered brush strokes that emerge from the canvas as birds, representing my migration to Canada and a longing to see my family once more. Similar in shape to the first letter of the Farsi alphabet, the birds are a nod to my native tongue. The mixed layers of paint, with a strong base and lighter overlays, are a reflection of the intricacies of our personal relationships and wellbeing. As the pandemic prolonged, the collection evolved, and the birds transformed into feathers, floating through air with no purpose or place to settle. A building of layers topped with a glaze for transparency represents my family’s bond and the value I place on meaningful relationships.