John William Waterhouse: The Lady of Shalott (1888)

I used to have a poster of this picture on my living-room wall when I was in my late teens. Why was she named after an onion? It's a beautiful landscape painting, and the water is so serene. I love the detail on the blanket thing that dangles over the side of the boat, but can't understand why it and the lady appear to be completely bone-dry.
I know it must sound quite ridiculous, but her face looks how I have always felt deep inside. This is the part of me I need to deal with. It's the part that stops me from doing anything because I'm fearful, and which deprives me of all confidence. It is the part of my mind which is like blotting paper, and is full of so much accumulated sadness.
Lady, I'm looking you straight in the eyes, however much you try to avert your gaze.