Faculty of Art

Drawing and Painting

Terra Sutton

Enfettered

This piece was inspired by my personal desires and fears, particularly the dangers of the “trad wife” lifestyle and how it is romanticized on social media. The term “trad wife” refers to a traditional stay-at-home wife and mother who handles most domestic responsibilities, a role portrayed online as idyllic and fulfilling. While some may find comfort in this lifestyle, it often reinforces outdated gender roles, pressures women to conform to narrow ideals, and undermines personal autonomy and equality. My painting reflects the fear of losing myself and sacrificing my identity to live out someone else’s dream, such as raising a family at the cost of my own ambitions. Though the composition appears orderly and elegant, with the subject in a pretty dress fitting the trad wife aesthetic, her messy hair, tired expression, and visible wedding ring hint at the emotional toll beneath the surface. The absence of space for her own plate at the table symbolizes how her needs come second to her family's, and the phone on a tripod alludes to how social media perpetuates this unrealistic and harmful image. Using soft pastels to add texture and movement, I introduced chaos to contrast the polished surface, reinforcing the idea that all is not as perfect as it seems. While some may genuinely choose this path, it can lead to a loss of independence, financial freedom, and personal fulfillment—realities I fear, especially as an artist whose identity could be overshadowed in a life dictated by another's expectations.