My idea for the painting came from how I would put my hand over my face when I laugh or smile. The meaning has to do with how many people try to hide their emotions in our society because it is considered proper. Every one has been told once that they shouldn't cry in public or they shouldn't laugh too loud in public. We are supposed to be contained and collected, anything else might be considered rude or inappropriate. We are supposed to always "behave" and seem put together when others are around us. But everyone's upbringing is different. Some come from families where emotion is encouraged while others it is something to be contained and trained. Those with an open idea of emotion will be more expressive and can be looked at as rude when they laugh too loud or cry in public. Then, those with a contained sense of emotion will be subdued and can be looked at as conceded or up tight. Just because someone is laughing loudly and having a good time doesn't make them rude. And just because someone might not be as expressive doesn't make them stuck up. Our emotions and how we express them, as well as how others perceive them can be quite an interesting story.
