I started teaching myself how to draw and paint during March of 2020 as a way to cope with the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic and as a way to pass the time during lockdown. In addition to teaching myself art, I read a lot including reading the TNG novel “The Battle of Betazed”. I was enamored by how Deanna Troi was so strong and brave fighting and putting her own life on the line to save her home planet and her people. Despite all that, she didn’t lose an ounce of her empathy. The phrase ‘empathic warrior’ kept popping into my head as I read that book. After I finished reading it, I watched the movie ‘Nemesis’ which just reaffirmed that Troi is a fighter. She is the epitome of “kindness isn’t weakness”. Troi has shown us this again and again throughout  TNG and during her cameo in Star Trek: Picard.

I created this piece as a way to honor both Deanna Troi and Marina Sirtis. I did get some hate when I posted this drawing on my Twitter page. Some individuals said my interpretation of Troi’s character was wrong and that both the drawing and the phrase “Empathic Warrior” was an insult to her character. As a result, I came really close to deleting the picture of my drawing and shredding the original. However, I began reflecting and realized, that Troi wouldn’t let others words/insults stop her. Rather, she would do what she thought was best, even if it meant angering others or even making enemies in the process. That is why I have decided to submit my drawing as is for this project.