"Rooted in Tradition" is a mixed media piece that bridges my personal history with my evolving identity. Using a DIY pinhole camera, I captured an image of a girl picking an apple from a tree—an act deeply connected to the rhythms of life in rural Bulgaria. The girl, dressed in a traditional Bulgarian folklore dress, with her hair covered by a scarf and adorned with roses, symbolizes my roots—both literal and cultural. Although I was born and raised in Bulgaria, half of my life has been spent in the United States, and this work reflects the tension and harmony between these two worlds.

The photograph itself is in black and white, emphasizing the timeless quality of the scene and creating a sense of nostalgia. The black-and-white imagery focuses on the purity and simplicity of the moment, grounding the viewer in the quiet act of harvesting from nature, a theme deeply ingrained in Bulgarian rural life. The girl's attire, a traditional folklore dress, speaks to the rich cultural heritage I carry within me—embodying the values and customs that have shaped my upbringing. The roses in her hair serve as a visual metaphor for my connection to Bulgaria—flourishing in the simplicity of nature, yet intricately tied to my personal and cultural identity.

In contrast to the monochromatic photograph, the acrylic paint I’ve used brings the image to life with vibrant color. The painted elements symbolize the living, evolving nature of my cultural identity—dynamic, colorful, and ever-changing. Each stroke of paint serves as a reminder that heritage, while rooted in tradition, is constantly reinterpreted as we navigate new spaces, new experiences, and new selves. The colorful elements speak to the vibrancy of my Bulgarian background, even as I adapt to life in the U.S.

Interwoven into the composition are traditional Bulgarian shevitsa symbols, embroidered motifs with deep cultural significance. These symbols represent protection, blessings, and continuity—threads that tie me to my ancestors, even as I live in a place far from home. By incorporating shevitsa into the piece, I honor the importance of these symbols in my life, reminding myself that my cultural heritage will always be a part of me, regardless of where I am.

Through this mixed media work, I explore themes of identity, memory, and migration. The photograph is both a reflection of the girl I once was and a portrait of the woman I am becoming, shaped by two cultures, two countries, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging. The combination of pinhole photography, vibrant acrylic paint, and symbolic shevitsa motifs creates a visual dialogue between past and present, tradition and transformation. This work is a celebration of my Bulgarian roots and a testament to the fluidity of identity as I continue to navigate between two worlds.

Rooted in Tradition ‘21

Mixed Media - 6x4' inkjet print on canvas and acrylic