This painting captures a solitary woman, immersed in the water, surrendering to the ebb and flow of the waves around her. As the sun sets and the beach lies deserted, she becomes a symbol of resilience and hope. It harks back to the 1940s when young girls, products of the Great Depression, arrived in Hollywood with dreams of stardom in their eyes. For many, the silver screen was their only respite from the harsh realities of poverty. However, the journey was far from easy. Not all found the success they sought, and many were subjected to the unspeakable advances and trauma inflicted by male predators. The glamour of the movies often masked a reality that was far from glamorous. This painting is a tribute to their courage, their dreams, and their unyielding spirit. It’s a poignant reminder of the stark contrast between the glittering facade of Hollywood and the harsh realities that many of these aspiring actresses had to endure. She is every woman who dared to dream, who dared to fight, who dared to hope. She is us, and we are her.