The Girl Behind the Glass - Original Painting 2021

This painting was inspired by my own personal experiences of feeling lost in time—of being stuck, uncertain of the future, and unsure which path to take. I always strive to capture emotions in my art, and in this piece, I wanted to explore the sensation of being trapped in a moment, unable to move forward. The woman in the sun hat is posed as if she is part of a happy memory, but instead of a face, there is a clock, fractured and broken, revealing a trapped version of herself inside. The compass on her shoulder is symbolic of the uncertainty she faces—so many directions, yet no clear path forward.

I want my viewers to truly feel what she is feeling. I want them to sit with the discomfort, to reflect on their own moments of feeling stuck, lost, or unsure of where to go next. Growth often happens in discomfort, and this piece is meant to stir those emotions, to make people confront the times they’ve felt trapped in their own lives. Have you ever felt like time was passing but you weren’t moving? Like no matter what you did, you remained in the same place? I want this painting to connect with those who have felt that way, to let them know they are not alone, and to encourage them to break free.

Measurement: 24 W x 30 H x 1.5 D inches
I chose this subject matter because it is deeply personal yet universal—many people experience moments of feeling stuck or lost, and I wanted to give that feeling a visual form. The broken clock represents time slipping away, the girl inside symbolizes being trapped in one’s own mind, and the compass serves as a reminder of the overwhelming choices ahead. The contrast between the poised woman and the chaos within her reflects the way we often present ourselves as composed while struggling internally. Painting allows me to layer textures and emotions, creating depth that draws the viewer in. The surreal elements enhance the dreamlike, almost haunting feeling of being caught in time.