When I received an offer for a new exhibition, my heart was filled with both excitement and a touch of anxiety. This time, the opportunity was much bigger than the previous one; there were more viewers, more critical acclaim, and, of course, stronger competitors. Selin's messages echoed in my mind: "You must be able to handle shadows as well as light."
On the first day, I began working on ideas for the new exhibition in my studio. Every sketch, every color choice became a decision. I now felt responsible for every choice. Selin's influence was still with me; her advice was sometimes comforting, sometimes pressuring. But I had to transform this pressure into creative energy.
That day, I called Emir. His voice balanced my mixed emotions:
"Lina, do you remember? You can create your own light. Don't be discouraged by your competitors."
These words instilled a new resolve in me. I was competing with Selin and other artists, but now I had to move forward without losing my own style, maintaining my own vision.
The preparation process was intense. My brushes, colors, and sketchbook had become a battlefield; every line, every color represented a struggle. But this time, rather than fear, I felt a kind of excitement. I was taking risks, pushing my boundaries, and discovering my own.
When the day of the exhibition arrived, my heart pounded again. But this time, I knew I wasn't just working for the audience, but for myself as well. Selin had a slight smile in the corner, watching my work; it was both a confirmation and a warning: I needed to take bigger steps.
As viewers approached my works, I saw expressions of admiration, surprise, and sometimes even thought-provoking expressions on their faces. Even though Selin's works were displayed next to me, I no longer felt in her shadow. I had my own light, and I wasn't afraid to show it.
That day, I realized once again that the art world wasn't shaped solely by talent, but by courage and strategy. Competition was fierce, opportunities were valuable, and every step carried both risk and reward. But I was ready; I was ready to forge my own path, to shine my own light, and to confront my own shadows.
And as I walked back to my workshop, I felt both weariness and pride in my heart. My path might be long and arduous, but now I knew I could move forward, guided by my own light.