Elliott Smith was a singer-songwriter who lived with depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts. I first heard Elliott Smith at a club in San Francisco. His voice came in, so soft it almost apologized for existing. I was immediately captivated captivated and disturbed; it felt like he was whispering my thoughts from inside my head. The thoughts were quiet, like the music. But something shifted. And he helped me stay a little longer. This painting is part of a series of portraits of people who struggle with sadness, numbness, self-hate, and life feeling unlivable, yet still proceed to create.