Unwind

"My heart is so tired"

Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

 

 

 

"Unwind" #1

24" x 24"

acrylic and paper on board

 

 

 

"Unwind" #2

24" x 24"

acrylic and paper on board

 

"Unwind" #3

24" x 24"

acrylic and paper on board

 

 

 

Last year I painted this series as a reflection on being overwhelmed, heartbroken and tired; on how important it is to take time for renewal, to unwind, to wake up and start again.

 

The original versions of these paintings had keys inserted into the women's back. I had intended for the keys to symbolize the process of winding down at the end of a long day. Unfortunately, time and again the paintings were misinterpreted as misogynistic, and my heart broke each time. I really wanted to stand behind the message of these paintings while still celebrating women. Last week I finally decided to paint over the keys and send these paintings back out into the world with a lighter heart.