You are witnessing the coalescence of two cycles. That of time and life. Time, being this omnipresent force effecting everything that we do and why we do it; and life, where nothing is truly asked of us but to be. The women in this painting, my great-aunt and grandmother, are shown shining at the peak of their youth. Black and unafraid, they would combat racism, poverty, sexism and colorism all at once and dare to take the leap to start anew in a place just as unforgiving. With time on their hands, they dared to become new people, starting new cycles. And while most of their dreams were never fully realized, it was in their defiance, but also their submission, that allowed my world to go round.