When I was in high school, my parents sent me to an all-girls school in Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria. As immigrants navigating a different culture, they believed this would be the safest option, protecting me from influences they associated with boys. Ironically, there was a boys’ technical school just across the road! 🤣 Reflecting on my time there, I recall having the option to choose between "HISstory" and "HERstory" for my history class. Naturally, I opted for HERstory, which delved into women's history and feminism. This choice profoundly influenced my worldview, challenging the restrictions of the Christian Cypriot upbringing I had known, filled with cultural expectations about what a woman could or couldn’t do. The intertwining of religion and racism further complicated my sense of self, making it difficult to fully express who I was at home. As I grew older, I began to stir the pot within my household. My choices in relationships and the life I envisioned for myself were not always well-received. However, I conformed to many of the expectations set for me, eventually marrying a kind man from my culture. Together, we had four beautiful children, and I even moved back to my family’s homeland to raise them. Unfortunately, my marriage didn’t last, as I found myself evolving in ways that my former life couldn’t accommodate. The breakup was challenging, but we navigated it with maturity, ensuring our children remained our priority. Fast forward to today, I've found a way to confront my inner battles through art, which has become my sanctuary and method of self-expression. Living on this beautiful island in my fifties, I embrace the freedom of being a spirited woman, focused on creating and being authentically me. Now, I aspire to share my journey through my art prints, inviting others to connect with the stories that lie behind each piece. --- Constantina Constantinou