Poppies began as an experiment—just a quiet study of a girl—but evolved into something more meaningful. The addition of the poppies in her mouth became a pivotal moment, symbolizing memory, honoring the past, and accepting where we come from. It’s not just about remembrance in a passive sense; it’s about integrating the past into who we are, fully embracing it rather than denying or separating from it. The girl in the piece is at peace with her history, acknowledging that both the good and the difficult parts of her past have shaped her into who she is.