Oh Deer Shadow! Painting

The deer typically symbolises gentleness, awareness of surroundings, unconditional love, and mindfulness. A deer represents innocence, kindness, grace, and many other 'positive' representations we portray within societal, social environments. This locked door painting is a stark representation that so many of us portray ourselves via social channels as being pure, perfect and free of flaws. Meanwhile, we suppress that which lays beneath the surface, and we lock away our shadow self behind locked doors. "Beneath the social mask we wear every day, we have a hidden shadow side: an impulsive, wounded, sad, or isolated part that we generally ignore try to ignore. The shadow can be a source of emotional richness and vitality, and acknowledging it can be a pathway to healing and authentic life." - C. Zweig & S. Wolf This canvas reminds us that humans have this shadow self-formed from repressed ideas, impulses, desires and fears. This repressed energy, when acknowledged, can be harnessed as a great source of creativity. The repression of our negative traits and shadow self and emotions to conform to societal norms can be one of the most significant barriers in your journey to self-love and authenticity. Ignoring the shadow self is a form of not accepting your true self, only assuming that 'front' we put out there. Those who refuse to acknowledge their inner shadows are at risk of becoming hollow inside. They live out a sterilised, and fashioned life in exchange for the acceptance from others. This path leads to the detriment of your true self.