This is my stepdaughter, Wren. She’s a bubbly, energetic, outgoing, extrovert who, even as she begins the broody teenage years, usually has a smile on her face. This scene, however, captures a moment of trepidation. We’ve travelled to New York City many times with her, but this time, she started to see things adults see. She noticed the homeless people in Grand Central Station. She experienced the discomfort of people asking for money. She really saw poverty for the first time. At the same time, she was old enough to have a little more independence and try a few things solo while in the city. The painting aims to depict the desire for independence that she, as a teenager has, while also showing the anxiety that comes along with growing up. In the reflection on the left, you see her father who is and always will be there for her when she needs it, but is doing his best to let her grow up.
- Subject Matter: urban, figure