Hypnos, the God of Sleep, is the real name from Greek mythology. In my version, Hypnosis is the feminine personification of Sleep, with a similar concept and design. The main difference is her pocket watch, swinging back and fourth to hypnotize you into falling asleep.

I have always loved comparing death and sleep together. The “hypnotic pocket watch” is also a metaphor for time being lost or meaningless to both death and sleep. The shadow over her face was intended to convey the mystery and darkness these subjects. Not evil by any means, simply dark.

I had made this for my ongoing series to paint Roman & Greek Gods, but also for personal reasons. The original work, never to be sold, sits above my bed. For many years I had terrible nightmares and trouble sleeping. I figured I would paint someone to look after me throughout the night, help me go to sleep, and eat my nightmares — the way a dream catcher would. Since then, my sleep has been much more peaceful. Perhaps she may have the same effect on you.