Birthday

Text & Image: Elena Candon

When you look at this painting—or rather, a picture print of this painting—what do you see? Do you think of your past birthdays? How do you feel about your birthday? 

I’ve always thought a lot about age and who I am or who I should, or maybe could, be on my birthday. More so than any other day that marks the change of time, like New Year's or the last day of school before summer break. I made this painting because I feel there is a sort of peace in getting older. The model in my reference photo was 5 years old, but I didn’t want that to show. I want this painting to be relatable for all ages, because while getting older means change and a loss of time, it is also a way of winning, of gaining. After all, every birthday means another year of experiences, memories, and thoughts that are for you to cherish. In this painting, I tried to emulate this flexibility and duality of change by using wide, undefined and unblended brushstrokes to create a sense of unfinishedness and texture. So to me, birthdays mean a metamorphosis of yourself and yet at the same time staying the same. I would like you to look at this painting and see for yourself that you are exactly the same as always, and always changing.