This self portrait is very personal. "Melting" is an homage to the person I've been for the past year, someone unstable and in a constant state of flux. In the last 12 months, I moved four times, worked random jobs, lost my dad, and started therapy for an anxiety disorder. Change doesn't feel like the right word to express the level of disruption and loss I'm feeling. My mental state was so volatile when I painted this portrait, and I wanted to portray myself as such.
Even though this has been a time of uncertainty, I’ve had a chance for self-discovery and growth. This painting served as an escape, and the process brought me a lot of joy. It was a personal best for my gouache and animation skills, and it was the first time I worked in mixed media! At the end, at least I had accomplished something.
“Melting” represents a critical time of my life. I hope you've enjoyed experiencing this little piece of me.