I painted this from a memory of when I was 14. I was going through a rough time and my mom suggested I go to the movies to cheer me up. It was the first time I ever went to a theater by myself, and I watched the original Little Mermaid. To my surprise, I really connected with it. I actually ended up loving that movie.

​Being in that theater alone made me think of one of our legends from Guam about Sirena. It’s interesting to me because Ariel wanted feet because her heart was pulling her to the land, but Sirena ended up with fins because a wish pulled her to the sea. They had completely different points of view, but they were both searching for the same thing: to follow their hearts and find where they truly belong.

​I know a lot of 14-year-olds can relate to this painting. It isn't about a boy they like or just being a fan of a movie. It’s about that deep need to feel like you belong. I wanted to capture that human ache to follow your heart and, more than anything, the feeling of wanting to be seen.

​Technical Standards

• ​Resolution: High-Definition 300 DPI (Professional Gallery Grade).

• ​Format: Optimized 5:4 Aspect Ratio for easy, standard framing.

• ​Portrait Sizes: 8x10", 11x14", 16x20", or 24x30"

• ​Landscape Sizes: 10x8", 14x11", 20x16", or 30x24"

How to Get the Best Quality Prints

• ​For a Gallery Look: Choose Premium Canvas Paper. The matte, woven texture mimics an original painting and eliminates glare - perfect for a professional museum feel.

• ​For Maximum Vibrancy: Choose High-Gloss Photo Paper. This finish makes the island colors "pop" with incredible depth and shine - ideal for modern glass framing.