Before there was purpose (2018) Painting by Damian Smith

Through observation of someone younger than myself, I reflected on her journey approaching adulthood. Being at a crossroads turning away from the blissful naivety of childhood and facing the uncertain yet exciting path ahead of her. The metallic horns symbolise the fluid nature of metal which can be shaped and forged to meet her intent, though they are small in size to reflect how much of her journey she still has to go. The two eggs represent her inner conscience, although they are still in egg form as so much of her decision making process still lacks context. Despite the challenges this may present, the girl maintains strength in her composure and is symbiotic in her relationship with the elements in her environment.

A young woman about the age of 18 is the primary subject of the painting. She is posed figuratively in the centre of the painting and can be seen from the height of her elbows up. Her skin is porcelain white with a slight blush to her cheeks and her hair is a sandy blonde brown colour. She is wearing a conservatively style dress which has long sleeves, is black with a white collar and cuffs at the wrist. The young woman has her hands brought up together clasping each other gently in front of her and she her gaze is directed towards the viewer. On her head there is a small birds nest resting delicately with two eggs inside of it. She also has two small metallic horns growing out of each side of the crown of her head, and a white head band is worn behind all of this keeping her hair styled back. She is standing with an autumn forest setting behind her of woodland trees.

Related themes

FemaleYouthBeautySurrealismNature