Addiction is defined as compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance, characterized by tolerance and by physiological symptoms upon withdrawal. While someone can be addicted to drugs or alcohol, they can also feel addicted to a person or their presence. Upon first thought, I explored the idea of an abusive relationship and even though the consequences are present, one still may feel addicted. After completing my sketchbook, I chose to instead depict a relationship that isn’t together anymore but will not break apart, as if the presence of the other person is addicting. This is a common theme amongst young relationships, needing the feeling of another person without much regard for who it is or how one is treated.

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The subjects of this work are almost holding hands, but not fully embracing each other. This placement represents how they are no longer together or fully apart of each other’s lives, yet remain around. The web-like connection that fills the gap between their hands symbolizes the attachment and addiction to the other person that they both possess. This artwork is set outside on a walk, which is an everyday activity. This creates a sense of normality between the couple even though they are in an unhealthy and addictive relationship that relies more on comfort and being used to behaviors than anything of sustenance, which is why the web prevents the two from successfully pulling away from each other. The web was created through photoshopping movement between the hands.

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From creating this artwork, I have learned how to create a sense of motion between objects through photoshop. On top of that, I accomplished deeper brainstorming, learning how to branch off of ideas until I am satisfied with one that has significant meaning behind it.