12 x 16, oils on canvas paper, 2018
In Plath’s Bell Jar, the protagonist struggles with her identity, what’s real, and whether her feelings are her own or manifested from some other predestined world of imagination. The one seemingly consistent aspect of her journey is the consistent and rhythmic sound of her heart and a silent reassurance to herself with these words. I wanted to portray that same grounded feeling with this piece – where darkness can envelop us at any moment, but with hope and love can unfold a new light, seen through the color choices and layering of texture within this piece.
“I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.”
― Sylvia Plath,