Synopsis Ego, Jealousy & Greed

The version of this painting you see here has evolved significantly from its original state. Looking back, I realised that being on antidepressants to manage endometriosis pain had subtly influenced my creative choices, leading to a palette that didn’t quite match my internal truth. As my health improved and I began to ‘come through’ that period of illness, I felt a physical need to strip the work back. I moved toward a much darker, moodier palette—a reflection of a mind gaining clarity and finding its own voice again, free from the chemical fog of chronic pain management.

The collections—Ego, Jealousy & Greed—evolved through a rigorous and delicate technical process. I moved beyond standard methods to experiment with printing directly onto tissue paper. This was then carefully adhered to a sturdier paper base before the final transfer to canvas.

The key to this technique is a custom-mixed transfer solution: 30% Image Transfer Medium blended with Isopropyl alcohol, left to bond overnight. This chemical interaction allows the ink to merge with the canvas fibers in a way that feels both permanent and ethereal. I chose this meticulous method to ensure my work has a physical depth that reflects the complexity of the themes within.

Challenging Mental Health Through Art

Living with endometriosis means relying on medication to manage severe, ongoing pain. While I strive for a positive state through nutrition and rest, these artworks originated during a period of intense emotional struggle. I was attempting to discontinue the medication that helped manage my anxiety, but I was met with overwhelming paranoia. These paintings became a way to delve into those moments of darkness.

During these times, I am hyper-sensitive to the emotions of others. It is distressing to see how mental health struggles can manifest in our interactions as Ego, Jealousy, or Greed. My work is an attempt to process that sensitivity and the “weight” of these societal shadows.

Materialism and the Quest for Respect

This negative behaviour is prevalent in Western culture, where we are bombarded with the idea that material possessions and career success are the only ways to garner respect. The media presents us with opulent lifestyles, leading us to believe that luxury cars or homes are the keys to happiness. This cycle only fuels the very ego and envy I explored in this series.

I wish people understood that these emotions can overpower us if we aren’t conscious of them. Buddhism teaches mindfulness as a way to detach from these feelings, embracing love and contentment instead. However, this is easier said than done, especially for those facing financial struggles in a society divided by privilege. In a world that emphasises the individual, choosing gratitude becomes a necessary act of rebellion.