Me and My Selfie
by Drawthenticity by Carly Rose
$500
"Me and My Selfie" marks a significant milestone as my second self-portrait. My journey as an artist and individual was profoundly altered by a cycling accident in 2020, which left me with facial scars and an appearance distinct from my pre-accident self. I now perceive my life in two distinct chapters: before and after the accident. Previously, I was deeply engrossed in my looks, often capturing my smile in countless selfies and eagerly sharing them on social media. The accident, which shattered my face, confronted me with a reflection I could barely recognize, and I was overwhelmed by feelings of loss and unattractiveness. Fast forward 3.5 years, I've become more reticent about being photographed, yet this self-portrait represents a breakthrough. It was inspired by a joyful photoshoot with a dear friend, who captured headshots filled with laughter and genuine smiles. In this portrait, I can still discern my scars, but they no longer command my focus. Instead, my attention is drawn to my beaming smile, the sparkle in my eyes, and an inner radiance that now defines my essence.