This painting was inspired by one of Nazuki Shange’s female characters from her collection of choreopoems in “For Colored Girls…” The poem speaks of a woman who is fed up with apologies due to mistreatment. When I came across the poem, I identified with the character and her voice. I was familiar with the toxicity of allowing the wrong people in, and its repercussions.The image of this woman illustrates the moment when she has decided to put down anger and turn to God and herself to heal. She has decided to come out of false humility, fear, abandonment and low self-worth. Her hands cradle her body because it is time to do the work of finding balance and strength. In her search, she is exposed, uncomfortable, vulnerable and fragile. She is bathed in oranges, yellows and reds, which exude passion and warmth. She is ignited to come alive and rise to who she is becoming.