"This is an image of Rosebud is a model and award-winning makeup artist. Rosebud’s spirit, like the lotus, reflects resilience and liberation. This portrait is an invitation to explore a realm where reality and imagination intertwine. The sitter emerges as a focal point, a protagonist within a larger story. The inclusion of a staff, traditionally associated with authority and power, is a deliberate subversion of gender stereotypes. By placing this symbol in the hands of the female subject, I aim to challenge preconceived notions of identity and gender roles. The integration of culturally significant objects further enriches this narrative, inviting viewers to consider the complex interplay between individual and societal constructs. The title, "Lotus," serves as a potent metaphor for the sitter's inner strength and resilience, mirroring the flower's ability to rise from the mud to bloom beautifully." — Tamary Kudita