"A Childhood Lost" Original Oil Painting
$950.00
A Childhood Lost is a deeply emotional contemporary oil painting by Cleveland artist Stina Aleah, created in response to the devastating Uvalde school shooting in Texas and the fear so many children began carrying afterward.
Inspired by conversations with her own son, who developed anxiety about going to school after the tragedy, this piece explores the quiet grief of innocence interrupted too soon.
The painting depicts a young Black boy standing in a haunting, fog-filled landscape beneath dark skies and barren trees, holding a white flag made from a child’s undershirt.
The gesture symbolizes surrender, vulnerability, and a heartbreaking plea: Can I simply be allowed to grow up?
Rather than portraying violence directly, the artwork captures the emotional aftermath that settles into the minds of children forced to process fear before they are old enough to understand it.
Through dramatic lighting, atmospheric clouds, and surreal environmental details, A Childhood Lost confronts themes of childhood anxiety, innocence, safety, trauma, and emotional resilience.
The storm-like setting reflects the internal emotional landscape many children and parents quietly navigate in the wake of school violence and societal unrest. The child’s upward gaze becomes both a prayer and a protest, a longing for protection, peace, and the return of normalcy.
Known for creating emotionally driven realism paintings that blend symbolism, storytelling, and social commentary, Stina Aleah uses oil painting to preserve human emotion in ways that feel both intimate and universal. A Childhood Lost speaks to parents, communities, and anyone reflecting on how tragedy reshapes childhood in modern America.
This original painting is ideal for collectors of contemporary Black art, emotional realism, symbolic portraiture, socially conscious artwork, and museum-quality oil paintings centered around identity, humanity, and healing.
Product Description:
A Childhood Lost
30x48
Oil on Canvas
2022
Quantity
Only 1 left in stock
Refunds, Returns & Exchanges
Refund & Return Policy
At Stina Aleah LLC, each piece is created with care and intention. Due to the nature of original and custom artwork, please review the policy below before making a purchase.
All Sales Are Final
All original artworks, commissions, and made-to-order prints are non-refundable and non-returnable. Each piece is created or printed specifically for your order, and returns are not accepted unless your item arrives damaged.
Damaged Items
If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 2 days of delivery at info@stinaaleah.com with:
Your order number
Clear photos of the damage
Photos of the packaging (if applicable)
We will review your claim and may offer a replacement, store credit, or refund depending on the situation. Claims made after 2 days may not be eligible for resolution.
Lost or Missing Packages
If your package is marked as delivered but you haven’t received it, please contact your local carrier first. If the issue isn’t resolved, email us at info@stinaaleah.com, and we’ll do our best to assist.
Exchanges
Exchanges are not offered at this time. Please double-check all product details, sizing, and shipping information before placing your order.
Order Cancellations
Orders cannot be canceled once production has started. If you need to request a cancellation, please email us within 24 hours of placing your order.
Thank you for understanding and supporting independent artistry.
For any concerns, feel free to reach out info@stinaaleah.com
Processing & Shipping
Processing Time
All orders are processed within 5 business days.Custom commissions or made-to-order items (such as embellished fine art prints or original paintings) may require additional time, which will be communicated to you at the time of purchase.
Shipping Rates & Delivery
Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on the weight, size, and destination of your order.Once shipped, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking information.
Domestic (U.S.): Delivery usually takes 2-5 business days after shipping.
International: Delivery times vary by destination and may take 2–4 weeks. Customs fees may apply and are the responsibility of the buyer.
Packaging
All artwork is packaged securely to protect it in transit. Prints are typically shipped flat in rigid mailers or rolled in protective tubes, while original artworks are packed in reinforced boxes or crates, depending on size.
Questions? For shipping questions, custom delivery requests, or rush orders, please contact: info@stinaaleah.com