"Jawbreaker" is a personal reflection on the physical toll that stress can take on our bodies. For a time, I struggled with severe headaches and ear pain caused by relentless teeth clenching—a direct response to stress. Instead of focusing solely on the discomfort, I chose to approach this piece with a sense of humor, highlighting the often-overlooked link between stress and our physical health.

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The painting features a jawbone, representing the source of my pain, placed in front of a jawbreaker candy, cut in half.

 

The jawbreaker is a metaphor for the dual threats to our teeth—candy, which can cause decay, and stress, which can lead to grinding and clenching. Both can be equally damaging, but in different ways.

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The bright, colorful rings of the jawbreaker and the splashes of color around the piece capture the chaotic and overwhelming energy that stress can bring into our lives. Yet, by presenting this serious issue in a playful way, I hope to remind viewers of the importance of finding lightness and humor, even in the face of life's challenges.