In this series of self-portraits, I wanted to capture something deeply personal yet universal—the connection to an internal source of light, energy, hope, and intuition. Holding the sunflower, a symbol of the sun, positivity, and growth, I’m not just engaging with an external object but representing the internal radiance that persists even in moments of dark shadows. The message I carry through this work is simple yet profound: no matter what happens today, the sun will rise again tomorrow. This phrase embodies resilience, the quiet strength to endure, and the belief that brighter days are always ahead, no matter how dark the moment feels.
In these portraits, the sunflower serves as a bridge between my inner light and the world around me, a symbol of following the light—our intuition—and staying connected to the hope and strength within us all. Just as the sunflower turns toward the sun, we turn inward toward our own source of light, our inner knowing. Even in the stillness of a soft, minimalistic setting, there is movement—a balance between openness and strength, a reflection of the journey we each walk.
This internal light—our intuition—has always guided me, not only in life but also in my creative process. It reminds me that even when surrounded by shadows, we can find our way forward, carrying that light and energy from within. These portraits represent that emotional journey—the resilience to keep growing, to trust in renewal, and to embrace life’s unfolding path with hope, determination, and inner wisdom.
Following the Inner Sun
In shadows deep, where silence grows,
A spark ignites, a quiet glow.
I hold a bloom that seeks the light,
Its petals warm, its colors bright.
No matter if the skies turn gray,
Or night takes hold at end of day,
The sun within will rise anew,
A path unseen, yet always true.
Through whispers soft of doubt and fear,
It guides me forth, both bright and clear.
A strength that blooms in darkened hours,
Unfurling like the sunlit flowers.
This light, this warmth, a seed in me,
A steady flame, a certainty.
Through storm and shadow, rain or sun,
I follow where my soul’s begun.
—Marcia Do Vales
