“Unlocking the Future”
by Abigail Lim

This piece is titled “Unlocking the Future”, because it represents my story as a first generation American and the mystery of endless opportunities my future may hold. In it, I celebrate my history and my parents history, their background in Malaysia and my childhood living in Camas. I celebrate the infinite possibilities coming my way, and how my future is just another door, waiting to be unlocked. I don’t know what’s behind it, but I know that through my faith, a steady guide that fills me and holds me up, the future will be bright. The vibrant yellow ribbon flowing across the piece represents this, showing the unending light of Jesus that shines with me and in me throughout my life.

When creating this artwork, I wanted the layers to blend and flow to tell not only a horizontal story of my history but a story that sucks the viewer into the mystery of the future. I wanted to create layers full of texture, each more complex than the last. AI was not used in any part of this piece. I wanted to share this story with the Camas community because I wanted to share the strength that our past, present and future have within each other. I wanted to share and show the power and guidance of the one and only thing that holds me up, my Friend, Father, and Lord, Jesus Christ. I hope my audience will feel hope when experiencing my piece. Hope that the past can be the past, that our present is what we make it, and hope that our future is still untold. Art has always been a part of my life. It is a way I express myself, and share messages that words themselves cannot bear. My life, my story, both before, and yet to come is one of them.

Living in Camas has been one of the many joys of my life, this town has gently nurtured me since young. Growing up in this beautiful city has shown me how to live, how to lead, and most importantly the endless possibilities just waiting to be unlocked.