Tangled Grace

What began as a simple experiment in composition soon unraveled into something much deeper: a layered story through shape, symbolism, and a bit of internal reflection. Let me take you through how this piece came to life.

It all started with two snakes. A friend was cleaning her pet snakes' cage when they entwined in this mesmerizing composition. I couldn’t get the image out of my head. That image sparked the foundation of the piece.

While sketching, Sweet Child O’ Mine drifted into my head. Not sure why, maybe the melody or mood, but suddenly Guns N’ Roses was playing on repeat in my mind. I swear I’m not making this up. Instead of the classic red, though, I envisioned white roses, something softer, quieter, and more pure.

From there, the rest of the piece started to come together. I wove in some organic curves to frame the composition, probably without realizing I was echoing the ornate detailing of the antique mirror in my living room. Funny how subtle influences sneak in and influence artistic choices.

Now that the piece is finished, it feels less like a design and more like a story I didn’t know I was telling, until it was already on the page.

The snakes represent two ideals, each striving toward what they believe is good. They’re surrounded by white roses, which symbolize purity of thought and intention. Both ideals want to move forward, but their entanglement with each other, keeps them locked in place. Stuck. They’re unable to progress in any direction.

This idea started to evolve into a broader question: Why is it that even when people are well-intentioned, sometimes they still can’t move forward?

As I worked on the piece, I realized this wasn’t just a symbolic question—it was a personal one. It took me back to a difficult time in my life when I struggled with understanding the limits of grace.

I know that might sound strange—how can you give too much grace? But here’s the uncomfortable truth: I reached a point where my grace was no longer loving. It was enabling. I was excusing harmful behavior, even taking the blame for it, instead of holding the person accountable or helping them seek real change. I thought I was being compassionate because I deeply loved the person and knew they loved me, but really, I was not giving grace while holding truth as I should have been.

Looking back, I often wonder how things might have changed if I had recognized that sooner. But rather than regret, I’m thankful I eventually found the strength to set healthy boundaries, for both of our sakes. It was incredibly painful, but with years gone by, it proved to be the right decision.

Grace is beautiful. We should extend it generously. But if you find yourself giving the same grace over and over to someone who isn’t growing, it’s time to pause. Ask yourself: Am I helping them heal, or am I enabling them to stay stuck? Often, the answer requires not just tough love, but firm, healthy boundaries.

A book that really helped me during that season was Safe People, it explores the difference between healthy support and unhealthy tolerance, and how to recognize the relationships that help us grow versus the ones that hold us back.

Hence the title of this piece, "Tangled Grace".