She is: Awake
Oil and charcoal on canvas, 150cm x 100cm
This piece is centered on the ancient Slavic folktale of Baba Yaga—an archetype embodying the wild, untamed aspects of the Earth Mother, as well as death, rebirth, and primal feminine wisdom. Often portrayed as an evil or “ugly” figure, Baba Yaga instead represents a powerful guide who offers profound knowledge and gifts to those deemed worthy. She symbolises a return to nature’s cycles and inner spiritual power, particularly for women navigating moments of deep transition.
Dormant potential is explored through this piece: the quiet yet potent forces that reside within us, waiting to be acknowledged. These inner powers require nourishment, fuelled by self-discovery and the courage to venture into uncharted waters—remaining afloat without touching the ground. It is within this suspended state that we begin to understand ourselves more deeply: what ignites us, what unsettles us, and where our strengths and vulnerabilities lie.