Description of Work

Shadow Spread - 2022 - Digital photo montage, Digital painting - Not For Sale

Artist's Statement

This body of work is a series of mixed media, digital painting, and photomontage in the form of tarot cards. These cards correspond to my shadow work or my shadow side utilizing my own imagery and symbolism within each card as a means of representing myself.

Specifically, aspects of my shadow self that I tend to avoid, such as how I am projecting my shadow side into my relationships, where I am holding myself back, how I can be kinder to myself as I grow, and what I can look forward to while understanding and accepting my shadow self. The display of these cards is intended to mimic a large-sized tarot spread. The labels next to each work explain their specific representation.

I grew up in a Catholic Church and, although I believed in God at the time, I never felt a connection to Him or the religion itself. To this day, I do not have any Christian beliefs. Instead, witchcraft, while not a religion, has given me a connection to energy healing and a belief system involving Karma, and events happening how and when they should. Witchcraft feels as though I have found another part of myself I never knew I had.

This body of work shows my vulnerability but is also intended to lead others to consider their shadow selves. Shadow work is considered a deep dive into yourself to learn about yourself in terms of why you may react a certain way or how you may feel during certain situations. It is also a therapeutic journaling exercise for accepting and healing from past trauma. I deal with intense anxiety that often keeps me from doing what I must. This spiritual path of witchcraft I find myself on has helped me cope with this anxiety. Shadow work is an integral part of spiritual practice and, as a modern witch, I practice tarot. Tarot is a way for my spirit guides to help and lead me to where I need to be through encouragement to face challenges head-on.

If you wish to purchase any of these pieces, please contact the gallery director, Jacqueline Nathan (jnathan@bgsu.edu.)