Oil on Panel. 2020
This painting is about the loneliness that we many of us are feeling during these uncertain times. Our normal interactions with friends and family have been reduced and modified and this has affected our emotional wellbeing more that we realize. Some of us may be experiencing heightened anxiety or depression that make us want to retreat away from other people even more than usual. We all cope with times of stress differently and that's alright as long as we understand that deserve the love that is in our lives and that things will get better eventually.
The woman in this piece has retreated away from people but she finds comfort in the nature that surrounds her. Visually the branches almost support the shapes and curves of her face, keeping her head up in a time of sadness. She has blended into her surroundings so that they may fill in her missing pieces and make her whole again.
The pandemic has prompted me to look inward at myself and the people who matter most to me. I have enjoyed having more time to create my art but at the same time am very anxious about the world around me and how events during this year have transpired. In a way the pandemic has made me care even more about the artwork I create because I believe that it can bring people hope in these difficult times. It feels like every painting I create is a journey for me while I push past the negative thoughts and feelings of anxiety in order to create something that is beautiful and emblematic of my identity. Overall the pandemic has forced me to look inward to ask myself why I create art. And my answer is that I create art to connect to others. Even in a time when we have to stay away from one another in order to stay safe, I have been able to connect with more people than ever with my art. For the first time in a while I feel like I am being seen for who I am and the messages in my paints are resonating with others.