The Hiding Place
new art study
“Periscope”—acrylic on paper, 6 x 6 inches
“On The Lake”—acrylic on paper, 6 x 9 inches
“The Hiding Place,” started as a simple art study working with a limited palette. As the pieces progressed, as the shapes, textures, and patterns became apparent, the emotions emerged and the focus became clearer. Each piece was a refuge, of one form or another, from fear, grief, and acute vulnerability. Places I knew from childhood. Secret ways I hid, both within and without, none of which truly feel completely safe. Yet, all are familiar and oddly comforting.
Thalia offers a transformative collection of art that thoughtfully embodies the complexities of the human experience, promoting healing and introspection through its expressive beauty.
Children rarely find a true place to hide, except maybe within their own imaginations. Yet, there are places of refuge, even amidst the storms. For me, one of those places was the forest. We spent a lot of time in the mountains with extended family when I was young. Amidst the hustle and bustle of these excursions, there were moments of calm and stillness when one could think, smell, and respond to the environment in an authentic way. My sister and I would go off into the forest, and although we often played separately, we were always within reach of each other, building fairy houses and letting our imaginations and senses wander into whimsy. I still consider those moments sacred retreats.
From left to right, acrylic works on paper, 6 x6 inches: “Fairy Fort”; “In The Forest”; and “In The Meadow”.
“Where the Wild Things Are”—acrylic on paper, 6 x 9 inches
It’s not always safe inside our minds or imaginations. There are wild things in there. During my own healing, I had to clean house before I could set up a retreat space. Asking all of the stragglers and monsters to leave took time. My inner landscape had to be pruned and scrubbed to create a loving environment for a hiding place to be possible.
“Deep Inside”—acrylic on paper, 6 x 6 inches
A vital part of my own healing journey from fear and acute vulnerability, has been taking refuge; retreating from outside expectation and embracing inner validation and knowing. Hiding places have been key to discovering or rediscovering autonomy and confidence after experiencing trauma. In many ways, I see the pieces in this collection similar to somatic yoga; a mindful way to move through the process of grief and pain, imaginative spaces to find peace and regain confidence. If you’re not ready to build a place of retreat within, use these pieces of art as a refuge to hide.
From left to right, acrylic works on paper, 6 x 9 inches: “A Warm Blanket”; “An Angel To Myself”; and 6 x 6 inches, “Standing Up For Myself”.
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