As a child of immigrants, I grew up with an emphasis on upward mobility and the notion that money will lead to self empowerment which will lead happiness. Enter joke about becoming a doctor or bust here. The pandemic, however, has recalibrated my expectations and led me to realize the power of my art practice. This painting represents my acknowledgement that art is not only a powerful form of self expression, but also a necessary source of healing for my anxieties and mental health. “Self Portrait” is a painting on wood panel inspired by Van Gogh’s own self portrait (‘Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear’, 1889) and a woven artwork collected during a trip to Vietnam.