This piece features a mannequin head serving as a neutral, universal form – an anonymous vessel that can represent anyone’s inner world. Emerging from the head is an arrangement of flowers functioning as its "hair," a symbolic extension of personal identity. The sculpture is split down the center, creating two contrasting visual narratives. On the left side, vibrant, flourishing blooms express clarity, growth, and moments of emotional well-being. Their colors and textures evoke resilience and the beauty that can emerge even in challenging circumstances. On the right side, the palette shifts dramatically. Dark, dried and decaying flowers extend across the face, representing that weight of intrusive thoughts, worries and invisible struggles that can overwhelm one’s sense of self. The withered textures and somber tones reveal that fragility that often remains hidden behind outward appearances. Together, the two halves form a single, cohesive portrait of the complex mental landscapes many people navigate daily – recognizing that both light and dark often coexist within the human experience.

This sculpture is built from surveyed answers to a single, deceptively simple question: What is your favorite part about being a human being? The responses reveal a wide spectrum of intimate reflections, ultimately shaping three central themes that define the human experience. Many participants explored humanity’s relationship with nature, recognizing differences between ourselves and other species. Others reflected on the human condition – shared emotions, inherent traits, daily struggles and the universal journey of life itself. A third group focused on individuality – personal freedoms, identity, purpose, and the ongoing process of self-discovery. Each stick represents a response, creating a physical archive of collective thought. At the center, a single hand balancing roses symbolizes the intersection of nature and individuality – reminding us that being human is both a shared experience and a deeply personal one.