A figure is partially submerged underwater, with their hands extending upwards to reach above the surface.  The figure glances out of the canvas to confront the direct gaze of the viewer. The abstracted colors are used as a metaphor to express a state of deep emotion that can be interpreted in various ways; the figure could be drowning, or they could be calling out for the help that will save them. In this work, water is symbolic of emotions and the internal emotional world, a world in which the depicted figure is trying to navigate.

The painting is 32” x 26”, Oil on canvas. The edges of the canvas were neatly masked for display either framed or unframed.

Exhibition history: “Precipice” at Santa Ana College, Solo Exhibition (2020); The Artist’s Studio, Balboa Inn Resort (2021)

Oil on canvas

32” x 26”

2019