When I first watched Ti West‘s slasher film X, I was blown away by Mia Goth‘s dual performance as both Maxine and Pearl. I was so impressed that when the prequel, Pearl’s “X-traordinary Origin Story,” was released, I had to watch it immediately. That was when I realized that Pearl had permanently axed her way into my creepy little heart and was immediately added to my Art Bucket List!
What can I say? I admire a woman who does not take no for an answer, especially when she is fighting for her dreams. And on a more personal note, I also understand what it feels like to be young, sensitive girl who feels stuck and cut off from the world, while living under the control of a guardian who cannot see or appreciate your aspirations. That kind of confinement leaves you quietly yearning for escape, because deep down you know you were meant for something more.
And it was not just Mia’s extraordinary performances that made me love the X Trilogy, including MaXXXine. It was the way Ti West threads the characters through the three films in such creative and unexpected ways that I find absolutely brilliant. He does not simply tell a story. He visually represents each film’s respective time period beautifully, builds an entire ecosystem of themes (who else caught the Wizard of Oz references in Pearl ?) and symbols that echo from one film to the next. The overlapping identities, the mirrored moments, the way ambition and darkness ripple through each character feels both relatable and unsettling in the most fascinating way.
This piece, which I call “I’m Not Staying On This Farm,” was created in pencil and chalk pastels and is my own small tribute to that messy and magnetic desire to become more than what the world expects. It also echoes the quiet heartbreak that runs throughout the trilogy, the way a person will do anything to reach their aspirations, the unraveling from rejection, and the emotional erosion that takes over you as you start to believe you are settling for “a life you do not deserve”.
For my art collectors who wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to feed a few folks to Theda, I have made-to-order* prints and wearable art t-shirts listed in my Etsy shop. Apply coupon code IMASTAR at check out and get 10% chomped off your order! 🐊
These items are also be available for purchase in my Latchet shop for those who prefer to use that platform to make your online purchase.
Giclee and canvas prints are currently in production for my art collectors to see in person and purchase at a discounted price* at Closet Collectibles (in Crete, IL.) when I do my next art drop!
New to my work? Be sure to check out the other portraits I have masterminded on the Spitting Image page of my portfolio website!

Stay Strange & Magical ✨
LDG Nicole
*Read more about my “never mass produced” creative process and in store discounted art prices here













