Flowers in a pot by Patricia Barwicz in Toronto

I am a Toronto-based artist who just finished an Honour in the fine arts program. I create paintings and drawings inspired by my emotions and childhood experiences. My work explores themes such as the human body, insecurities, body dysmorphia, and societal standards, all while embracing the hidden aspects of myself that I have long kept tucked away. These themes reflect my personal challenges, and through my art, I aim to express parts of myself that have often been difficult to communicate verbally. I began creating art because I struggled to express my inner thoughts and emotions with words. Seeking a way to communicate gently without triggering myself, I turned to sketching. Using a sketchbook, I began creating black-and-white portraits of friends and loved ones, which helped me release emotions I had kept inside. Over time, the process of painting and sketching allowed me to embrace freedom, self-acceptance, and self-love—feelings I had longed for during my childhood.