Many people find the whole idea of clowns creepy, or scary. I'm not sure where this fear comes from. Maybe it's the 'uncanny valley' effect. They are human, but a somehow slightly distorted version of humanity. I see clowns as artists. They portray characters who may be very different from from themselves.
My little clown girl Millie Killjoy has been a clown for way too long. She is tired of being upbeat and entertaining the crowds, while inside, the spark has long gone. Her make-up may be pristine, but her colours are fading, and her smile no longer lights up the room.