“Stages” is a self-portrait series inspired by the concept created by Elizabeth Kubler Ross, MD and David Kessler on the five stages of grief. “The five stages, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are a part of the framework that makes up our learning to live with the one we lost” (Kessler, 2022). This work is inspired by my mother, who passed away at the age of 42, the age I will be in August. When we lose those we love, the imprint of unexpressed love is a part of our body language, countenance, and essence. My hope is that I can convey that with this series.