When I create a new artwork, I start by creating a small mock-up or concept where I put the elements together and test out my planned post-work. The idea is to see if I can create what I want before I take the time to render the large final version of the image which I would then do all the final post-work to. When I created the small concept of this one, I hated it. I kept it open in Photoshop though and kept clicking back to look at it again. I kept tweaking little things here and there. After a while, the image grew on me and I started to like it. I then decided to go ahead and render the final size version and post-work it. Now I really like this final artwork, enough to post it here. What is the piece's meaning? Different meanings for different people I suppose. The fire could symbolize fury, pain, or any number of things. I'll leave figuring out the meaning to you. ;)