Counterbalance is an internal exploration of balance, uncertainty and the forces that influence our mental state. The isolated figure sits at the centre of the composition, caught in a moment of anticipation as she prepares to drop the die. The die represents chance and the unpredictable nature of our decisions, encounters and circumstances. Once it is released, its outcome is beyond her control, reflecting the uncertainty we often experience when considering where our choices may lead us.

Opposing this sense of chance are the lapis lazuli stones, which represent mental health, self-awareness and protection from negative energy. Their presence introduces the idea that, although we cannot control every external influence, we can develop an awareness of our own internal state and find ways to protect and stabilise ourselves.

The balance between these elements reflects the constant negotiation between positive and negative influences. The figure's action becomes a metaphor for the moments in life when we are forced to let go of control and accept uncertainty. Depending on how the die falls, the outcome may be positive or negative, but the act of balancing these possibilities is central to the work.

The dark, enclosed setting reinforces this introspective quality, creating a space that feels separate from the outside world. I wanted the figure to appear absorbed in her own thoughts, emphasising that Counterbalance is ultimately about an internal struggle rather than a physical one. The work asks whether balance comes from controlling the outcome, or from learning to accept the uncertainty that comes with it.