Acrylic and Mixed Media on Wood Panel

12 X 12 X 1 ⅝ in.

As part of the “Break Free” collection, this piece reminds us that life is most precious when you break it open. In order to fully live and experience the treasure of life, one must break free of restraint and practice self-expression.

On one hand, the egg is perceived as fragile— something that should be encased and protected so that it does not break. On the other hand, there is a deep need to break out from the egg in order to reach one’s full potential— the chick must emerge from the egg in order to grow and develop.

As a child, Edna’s uncle was wrongfully accused and executed during the Iranian revolution for being Jewish. That childhood trauma of having to leave her homeland as a young teenager of 14 forced Edna to acknowledge the importance of embracing every moment because life is fragile and full of the unexpected. But to do so, she first needed to overcome the challenge of stepping outside of her shell. Art helped Edna step into her confidence and start believing in her personal power.

She hopes this series encourages the viewer to see the fragility of life and respond with enthusiasm to live life to the fullest. Although life is fragile, it is also full of color, and one must break free from their shell of comfort in order to see the power that lies within themself.