When I started to think of making this self-portrait I asked myself: Where would I want to be? Which place brings utter joy to me? And the answer was: being in nature, being in a forest. So it all came up from there: the colors and hues, the vibrating brush strokes, the play of light and shadow, and the vivifying sense of being in the Earth's dynamo - the Lungs - the nurturer who gives fresh air and keeps the ground stable: the trees of a dense forest. Being in such a space inspired the playfulness in my eyes and smile, and the feeling of gratefulness that comes from living on such an abundant and nurturing planet. I hope we learn how to take better care of Mother Earth!