Congratulations to Aki R. for submitting the winning entry to the Camilla d'Errico contest hosted by Dark Horse and the SuicideGirls! In response to Aki's post, Camilla d'Errico had this to say: "It takes a lot for someone to admit those kind of feelings, and I think it's amazing. The way she described the Tank is exactly what I was thinking while painting it." Thank you, Aki--and everyone who posted--for your heartfelt words!

"The image I feel I relate best to is The Tank. It was actually one of the first images I ever saw by Camilla d'Errico, and it resounded in my mind during a very tough time in my life. After struggling with school, jobs, countless arguments with my mom and being kicked out of my parents house, I withdrew from family and friends. After time, it became a struggle for me to reach out to these people when I needed help. This led to even more problems for me and I've had to fight hard to get back on my feet.

The girl in the tank has chosen to withdraw and protect herself from the outside world, but now is looking out. However, leaving the safety of the tank is difficult. Her hair is entangled in the cogs and gears of the machine that has protected her and now its as if this shield has become apart of her, making it hard for her to reach out to others.

I can hardly explain how inspirational many of Camilla's art works are for me, but I often think about this image as a reminder to the things I've struggled with in the past, and that the future -although difficult- is something I must learn to step out of my shell to reach"