Thanks so much erh.germany! :D I looked up some images of Orvieto Cathedral cathedral I can definitely see what you mean about those carvings. Those expressions truly are visceral and wrenching. I'm honored that my drawing reminded you in some way of those masterworks! Thank you for that!

I think I meant for the slime to symbolize the mime's pain, like a flood of rage and despair and frustration which has been building up and festering for years. Like a sorrow too deep-seated to shake loose by crying. It would be nice if that kind of pain would congeal into a humor which could then be eliminated. :)

The suburban backdrop was intentionaI, but I originally meant to make the shading much darker and the textures grittier and more detailed. But when I got to this point I decided that I liked the contrast between the bright, cartoony colors and the tortured expression, so I went with it. Thank you again for your comment and thought-provoking questions!