This is a painting of a woman holding a lotus, otherwise known as a waterlily. In Buddism, it is the symbol of enlightenment. It has it's roots in the mud, but blossoms into a beautiful flower. Just as a person can be less than perfect, but can blossom with enlightenment. For me personally it is a symbol of potential. We all have the potential to be something special, even though we are surrounded by pond scum. And maybe we have that potential because we are surrounded by pond scum.