Burnout, 2021

Limited edition hand-pulled screenprint for the 2021 Minneapolis Sketchbook exhibition at Gamut Gallery

Currently owned by the Minnesota Museum of American Art

In the dim light of the studio, I begin the creation of an illustration that will capture the essence of burnout. The canvas before me is blank, much like the mental and emotional state that burnout can evoke. I dip my digital brush into black, a color that symbolizes the depletion of energy and vibrancy that burnout brings.

The central figure takes shape. It’s a face, bearing lines of stress and fatigue — and the eyes, usually vibrant portals to the soul, now reflect emptiness, a gaze that has stared for too long into the abyss of constant demands.

Around the figure, I draw swirling tendrils of darkness, representing the suffocating grip of responsibilities and obligations that have spiraled out of control. These tendrils intertwine with frayed threads, symbolizing the fragmented thoughts and shattered focus that often accompany burnout. The edges of the canvas seem to fray as well, evoking the feeling of losing one's sense of boundaries and a sense of self. But, the hint of color in the burned edges serves as a reminder that even in burnout, the embers of one's drive and creativity still smolder beneath the surface.

As the composition takes form, I added a slightly-opaque film to the hole created in the center, to create a haze that envelops the figure, evoking the mental fog that clouds judgment and decision-making during burnout.

The illustration serves as a visual testament to the importance of recognizing burnout, addressing it, and fostering an environment of self-care and support.

As I sign my name in the top-right corner, I feel a sense of responsibility. This artwork isn't just an image; it's a conversation starter, a mirror held up to the experiences of many. It's my hope that through this illustration, I can contribute to a greater understanding of burnout and encourage a dialogue about the importance of mental and emotional well-being.

Creating an illustration that represents burnout requires sensitivity and an understanding of the emotions involved. It's a way to bring awareness to a significant issue while also offering a visual language to those who might be experiencing it.