The painting measures 80 cm x 80 cm.

Technique: oil pastels, rust activator, oil paints

The painting “Essence: a metaphor for life” is an attempt to visualise the fundamental relationship between man and nature, which lies at the heart of our existence. The human silhouette, emerging from the background, becomes a canvas for organic plant and flower forms. However, these are not decorative elements – they are integrated into the figure, growing out of it and entwining it, symbolising the continuous cycle of birth, growth, passing and rebirth.

In my interpretation, life is a dynamic process. Just as flowers bloom and wither, so too are human experiences – joy, sadness, struggle and acceptance – part of a single, coherent cycle. This image is a metaphor for the fact that we are inextricably linked to the forces of nature. We are as delicate and fragile as flower petals, but at the same time as resilient and capable of rebirth.

The texture of the painting, the richness of its layers and the intertwining plant and human motifs create a composition that reflects the complexity and multidimensionality of life. This work is intended to remind us that our inner essence is a reflection of the universal processes of nature, and that every experience, even the most difficult ones, is part of this extraordinary journey.