Scratching the Brimstone - Original Painting

Oil on Canvas
Unframed
48"x48"x1.5"

"Scratching the Brimstone" is a violent piece that remembers the bone-deep itching of "zingers" in topical steroid withdrawal, and the connection with spiritual warfare against one's identity. As a patient tries not to claw away at the hellish sensation, semblances shift to more than a battle with physical condition. 

-- 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

Purchase includes original artwork only for personal use, all rights and reproduction opportunities remain with the artist. If buyer is unable to pick up in Carmel, Indiana, additional shipping costs will apply. Contact Jessica at 317.679.3223 to inquire.