Slow Burn

Burnout describes the period of exhaustion and emotional turmoil a person can face after tremendous stress. My painting is a representation of this state with a girl gradually burning away until only smoke is left. With a portion of her face slowly being eaten away by the flames, she is losing part of her identity gradually, and her control over the situation is seemingly nonexistent. The smoke left behind is seemingly calm compared to the fire; however, the turbulent patterns are a reminder of the emotional, mental, and physical struggles lingering behind. This painting is a reflection of my time during quarantine, feeling like I'm always overwhelmed with work but also never getting anywhere. It was tough getting out of that state, but being aware of and actively maintaining my mental health was a key part of the process. After experiencing that, mental health became incredibly important to me to ensure I can live to the fullest of my abilities.