A Severed Forest Burns Unknowingly

“A Severed Forest Burns Unknowingly” was inspired by Congenital Insensitivity to Pain, a condition that prevents the nervous system from receiving pain signals. Someone who suffers from this condition can feel the temperature of a fire nearby, but they do not realize when it has started to burn them. Essentially, they can recognize that danger is present, but they cannot comprehend the extent of their suffering.

From this point, I decided to connect this condition to individuals who choose to remain in toxic relationships. They can see that the other person is not good for them, yet they fail to perceive how much they are being hurt. This disconnect can be deadly, both for the health condition and the latter.

I painted a black rift between these two forms to convey this disconnect. One side is completely fine, fluid, and green. However, this side is unaware that the other is burning away, disfigured by the flames. The title enhances this idea, comparing this situation to that of a severed forest.