Blue Velvet

"Blue Velvet"

This painting is way more than just a portrait — it’s the heartbeat of this entire exhibition, marking a deeply personal milestone in my artistic journey. It captures a blue-hued Lady stealing a rare, quiet cigarette break after a sold-out show — that magical moment when exhaustion, pride, and sheer relief collide, and you just have to pause before reality (and your to-do list) hits again.

Inspired by the unforgettable costume designs in Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” video - when I first saw those outfits I audibly gasped at how much I loved them and physically felt a burst of inspiration.

This piece reflects my own rollercoaster ride with masking, ADHD, and trying to be proud of myself without accidentally turning into a walking emoji of imposter syndrome. It’s about those behind-the-scenes moments when the applause fades, the crowd goes quiet, and you’re left wondering if anyone else feels like they’re winging it. Spoiler: they definitely  are.

This painting is my love letter to my own resilience. It’s about finding strength in exhaustion, humor in struggle, and learning to smile even when you feel like screaming, or laughing so hard you cry.

I’m insanely proud of this piece, not just for how it looks... but for the story it tells and the grit it represents. It’s the reason this exhibition exists: a tribute to keeping it together, one painting at a time.

If this painting can inspire even one person to start creating (and maybe take a well-earned  ciggie break), then it’s done its job. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to sing our own song, steal a little quiet time, and maybe die with a smile — or at least a good laugh.

Acrylic, gouache & pastel on timber 

W 55cm H 85cm