Ghosting. The online phenomena of cutting off all communications with a friend, romantic interest, or co-worker, has gained popularity on social media. This usually happens suddenly without any logical explanation given. Silence is all you get back.

The length of this event can vary wildly. After a few months, you might find your ghoster suddenly popping back up on the radar. Even resuming your conversation without skipping a beat. Other times it will seem like its permanent, for years will pass by without a peep from them.

Like throwing a stone in a pond, ghosting can cause ripples in life. Sometimes positive ripples happen. Distancing yourself from a toxic or draining relationship. Finding new and fulfilling friendships. Taking some “me” time for your own mental well being.

Other times negative ripples happen. Like the ghosted one’s self esteem taking a bit of a sucker punch. Was it something they had done? Something they didn’t do? No one knows, for no one is talking.

The following mixed media art piece is based on these ripples of ghosting. I started with a drawing of ghost in pencil, pen and black marker. Then after doing some digital colorization and layer work on my laptop, I ended up with an interesting glowing effect.