Free Spirit

This image was originally a stained glass ornament. I was immediately attracted to her energy. She felt liberated, free in her bare skin that was glowing in the sunshine, the pop of red in her accessories symbolic of her underlying passion. She was the essence of a free spirit.

I like to be a free spirit. Some don’t like that, but that’s the way I am. – Princess Diana

I knew at that moment that I had to recreate her. She was a free spirit and hers connected to mine. I love the way that she feels unencumbered, independent, uninhibited. That is the woman I strive to be; a woman that goes with my own flow.

So many people can have opinions, emotions that they demand to be taken into account. It is hard, and often painful, to try to live by the judgement of others. It's important to be respectful, compassionate, and to listen. It is valuable to be flexible with your own thoughts and emotions. However, it is equally important to make your own decisions, and live life how you choose in consideration of those points of view.

A free spirit is often associated with 'hippies', or some sort of new age stereotype. To me, a free spirit is someone thinks for themselves, rather than acting just because someone else says so. It is someone who connects connects deeply with the world and follows their heart. A free spirit is someone who values making their own choices, being self-aware, and thinking for yourself.

Listening to my heart, defining my terms, testing the limits of my comfort zone, allows me to make the most of my life. It gives me the permission to challenge myself, embrace what I want to do most, and take action to do it, regardless of what others think - such as painting, creating music and travelling. These activities let my spirit, body and mind roam wherever I please, taking responsibility for my actions, making the most out of any situation and setting myself free from anything holding me back. This is what I define as freedom.

I often find myself painting from when the sun sets until when it rises, jumping on the opportunity to take adventures across the world or last-minute nature getaways, in the pursuit of things that exhilarate me, challenge my limits, feed my soul, and create happiness. In this painting, background has a lot of movement and texture to reflect the energy of the world around us, as well as resemble wind blowing through her golden hair. The warm hues of red, yellow and bronze provide the pop of passion and spirit, reflective of the spirited character she represents.

Don't question why she needs to be so free

She'll tell you it's the only way to be

- The Rolling Stones

10% of the proceeds of this purchase will be donated to The Women’s Art Association of Canada, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting and encouraging Canadian artists.

Photo of me in my room, with my paintings, making music, wearing my favourite hat I purchased while travelling in Mexico

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