46” x 32” x 1.5”
Acrylic, flashe, ink, coloured pencil on canvas
2023
A wave of hatred flooded my body on the day he told me the truth.
And I clung to it. The hatred protected me. Sheltered me.
Kept me safe, until it was too heavy to carry.
Hate was never meant to be a part of my heart, mind, or my body.
I worked up the courage to let the hate go, accepting that it might make room for the love I once held for him to rush back in.
Instead, when I asked the hatred to leave, it took the love I had for him with it. And the most beautiful, brightest light of clarity filled the void instead. I didn’t know I had so much space for freedom. I had forgotten that I am sovereign. I am truly free.
*This painting was inspired by the song Gorgeous by X Ambassadors
This collection is a cheeky exploration of “love” and dating from the artist’s perspective as a confident, intellectual woman in her mid-30s. The artist playfully reflects on past romantic encounters to examine which were ruled by the heart vs. the mind. The heart is the true centre of human intelligence, not the brain. The heart is all-knowing, in its intuitive ability to discern when to push or pull, expand or retract. The brain’s tendency to overthink and overanalyze is not a sign of intelligence, but an anxious attempt to intellectualize emotions in order to avoid actually feeling them.
This playful collection explores the themes of identity, attachment, moments of clarity and cathexis that are prevalent in the search for love. The artist aspires to be vulnerable in exposing the various ways she has celebrated or abandoned parts of herSelf in her past relationships and encounters, and the feelings of triumph, shame, growth and sadness that have been part of her journey in dating.
The short excerpts that inspired the works in this collection were taken from the artist’s personal journal and paintings were created with specific songs in mind.
More info about this product:
This painting was hand-stretched by the artist in her studio on 1.5" gallery frames. It can be hung as an exposed canvas, or framed in a floating wood frame for a more polished look. This painting comes with an artist statement and signature. If you purchase this painting you will be contacted by the artist for more information about pick-up options in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, or delivery/shipping information.
*Decorative frame not included*
Please note that the buyer is responsible for any shipping charges and/or for picking up the painting, but the artist (or gallery) will facilitate the process by obtaining quotes, packaging the product safely, and bringing it to a shipping centre at no extra cost. Reach out to the artist directly through the Contact page for any inquiries regarding this piece.
*This is an original painting by Tania LaCaria, there is only one in the world. Frame not included.*