High School, Drawing (14x17")

This 17x14" (43x36 cm) marker-on-paper self-portrait is part of a profound series of three drawings that capture Clara Woods’ journey through middle school, high school, and her experiences with teachers. Each piece is a window into her unique story, filled with challenges, growth, and resilience. High school marked a time of immense transformation for Clara. It was during these years that her family made the life-changing move from Italy to California. Amid the excitement of a new chapter, Clara also faced heartbreak, losing her beloved grandfather in a traumatic way. Enrolling in a school for people with disabilities brought both hope and frustration. While the school promised inclusion and interaction with the broader high school community, the reality didn’t match the expectations. Clara found herself in a dual world—at home, her family encouraged her to dream big, change the world, and create a bright future. At school, the message was often to accept her limitations and focus on