We are as we define ourselves. I define myself as limitless, do you? This painting was created as a representation of manifestation itself and our intertwined nature with the universe. It also has a very amazing back-story: this was my first piece of painting after years of not picking up a paint-brush. I found myself more connected with the universe and nature through my own personal story and journey. Every time I would pick up the brush for this painting a sense of deep peace and purpose would wash over me. I poured that energy into this painting (as I believe that art is a medium for energy) and hope that this energy is carried forward to another who needs the same spiritual and universal energy and peace in their life. It is only after I finished the entire painting had I found out through an article I randomly stumbled on that the model who's picture I had used as a painting reference for the portrait had passed away almost exactly a year prior to the completion of this painting. Autopsy says it was a suicide but her family believed the Maldivian model, Raudha Athif was targeted due to cultural reasons. She was criticized for wearing jeans and was told her clothing was 'immodest' according to several articles. Either way, this was a tragedy for a beautiful icon in her own respect. I'm a firm believer in everything happening for a reason and there being no such thing as coincidences in the eyes of the universe. Out of a sea of faces, I chose hers to be the inspiration behind this painting. If I had known her story prior to painting this piece, perhaps the final result would have been drastically different. However the process of creating this piece was so thoughtful and meditative, so my hope is that Raudha found peace and conveyed her energy through me. I hope she's in a place far more beautiful than the world I created in this painting and I'll now know her forever as Limitless Raudha. This painting will forever be extremely close to my heart for representing so many things: my own journey and evolution, Raudha's journey and mark on the world, diversity and inclusion in the art world, and so much more. But I know that it's now time to finally pass this piece on so it can have its own journey.