The Inside Joke
She Sacrificed It All for Her First Love
8.5” x 11”
Acrylic on Cardstock (Gel Plate)
9/9/2025
This work was created using the gel plate method and reflects my darker observations of how we measure value in our lives. At its center is a Hispanic woman with toned skin, wearing an emerald dress and long dark hair, holding what appears to be a child but is instead a doll formed from American currency. She stands against a golden backdrop with faint floral etchings that are almost invisible, like fading memories or traditions quietly slipping away. The painting is meant to be beautiful yet unsettling, offering a commentary on the ways we abandon family in the pursuit of power, wealth, attention, and self validation.
Through this piece I wanted to explore how the hunger for fleeting recognition consumes what is most sacred. I see too many people trading love and connection for moments that demand constant feeding, leaving only emptiness in their wake. In contrast, the joys that truly last are simple and often overlooked—seeing your children laugh, someone making coffee for you in the morning, or walking hand in hand through a park with your family. These are the rewards that give life meaning, yet our culture continues to replace them with shallow pursuits. This painting is my response, both a reflection and a warning.
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Private Collection