Soaking Ambition - Original Painting

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

In topical steroid withdrawal, my skin was so raw and broken that it often averaged 2-3 hours each day soaking in a bathtub before I could "function normally". My skin would chronically cycle from severe inflammation and swelling, to severe "human snow globe" level shedding every 24 hours.  In these tub sessions, it was very difficult to maintain a reality of what was and yet all the things to hope for -reasons to brave the fear and leave the safety the water provided. It took two years for me to be at ease with showering again, even after a long soak, as the shower experience felt like thousands of needles piercing the raw, broken skin. With an unplanned Picasso influence, this piece surmises  the the countless attempts to heal despite the suffering, the tranquility water provides, and the war within of accepting reality and pursuing a future despite the current hardships.

-- 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.