An Introspection- Self Portrait

I process events and experiences first with my heart, then with my brain and body. I cry as much as I laugh and am easily affected by others' opinions. This is a self-portrait I made to show this side of my personality. I painted myself, using charcoal to show the side of me that is affected by external judgements.
Black and shades of grey used to represent my depleting self-esteem. However, most of the portrait is colourful because art and expressing my creativity allows me to process these experiences and turn them into something beautiful. Thus, the portrait depicts how the colours are consuming the charcoal parts of my face, showing my growth and how I'm learning to love myself.