Paper Towel - Original Oil Painting

"Paper Towel" is a metaphor to the feeling of disposal we experience as TSW patients. We approach our dermatology appointments eager to solve the problem, only to be stained with being gaslit, misunderstood, ignored, or at worst abused. Our lives and income feel carelessly disposable to the practioner at hand. Leaving the appointment, all we feel is static, immense -wadded- frustration, and like once again our efforts are wasted. While topical steroid withdrawal is considered new science, and both patient and provider are still learning how to understand and treat the condition, this piece confronts the lack of emotional support patients experience in their recovery with providers.

-- Further Backstory -- 

This abstract collection was born after enduring six years of topical steroid addiction and withdrawal syndrome, which was so severe that it prevented me from painting that entire time. When I sat down to create for the first time, I wanted to paint impressionist landscapes, and other light hearted subjects like horses, which had always captured my attention. Instead, I was hit with with "what could have been" and "what should have been" both as an artist, and personally. Where would I be if I had those six years to hone my skills?

This series began the abstract section in my portfolio, and the choice of pigments was intentional. Working with the raw nature of the canvas as the white source, I used a medium and one or two pigments throughout this collection while creating a texture which commemorated the broken, fissured skin I experienced in this season. Grief was unexpected. Yet, as the emotions swelled, I would take a word or phrase and meditate on it while painting. This became the title for each work in the abstract collection.


Important Note: If purchased, the painting will be available at the CCA Gallery location. 
111 W Main St #135, Carmel, IN 46032
Shipping is available within the continental U.S. for an additional fee.

16"16"x1.5"
Oil & Graphite on Canvas
2025

Purchase includes original artwork only for personal use, all rights and reproduction opportunities remain with the artist.