The sitter Scarlett, like many teenagers, has had to contend with events that include toxic friendships and bullying, climate change, the threat of war, covid-19, financial hardships and more. In her case this also includes a diagnosis of anxiety disorder, my years-long struggle with myalgic encephalomyelitis and long covid, and tragically, suicides within her school and year group.
I have watched Scarlett plunge into darkness, and slowly through the love and support from family, school, doctors, therapists and friends, she has emerged ‘Into the Light’.
The darkening storm within the work, an event that disturbs and sometimes destroys a once ordered world, symbolises the experience of deep emotional conflict that can lead to anxiety and depression. With her bright red Inverness cape (after Millais), symbolising energy, vigour, passion and courage, she is depicted both defiant and steadfast against the storm. Scarlett’s hands hidden casually in her pockets belies her expression, an inward breath seeking courage to override emotions that are held and contained, trembling hands that are forming fists.
‘Scarlett, in Between Breaths’ portrays the strength and vulnerability that come with stepping forward in defiance of the deep inner turmoil between childhood and adulthood.