This particular painting went through some drastic changes through its development. Originally designed with a completely different face, I felt it was missing an emotional connection so I chose to change things up midway through working on this canvas. Although I had the intention of using stone carved filigree to frame the women of this series, I was offered a suggestion from professor Robert Sanchez. He had given me a book that was a history of and encyclopedia of wrought iron in architecture. I used it as inspiration and chose to incorporate the design work in this painting.
I was able to decode some symbolism behind the wrought iron - signifying malleability since cast iron is brittle and easy to break under pressure. I see this woman to be trapped behind the framework; symbolizing societal expectations and objectification of her beauty. A distant, empty gaze may leave the viewer with many questions, because you will never know what is hidden behind the veil of these eyes.
Subconscious direction pushed me to paint this face in a way that she ended up in the likeness of a woman I once held very dear to my heart, yet is no longer a part of my life. I suppose this painting forced me to look inside myself and sit in some unwanted emotions I had previously chosen to overlook.
Why is it that we find comfort in running away from our feelings in an unhealthy attempt at avoiding pain, only perpetuating our suffering?
What pain are you hiding from?
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