The Knitted Crown

Maria Russell | Pastel | 16 x 12 inches

“This piece reflects on the experience of breast cancer and the loss of hair that often follows treatment. Rather than portraying the devastation of illness, the work focuses on empowerment: the ingenuity, resilience, and determination of women who reclaim their identity in the face of it. Here, vulnerability is transformed into something intentional, powerful, and ultimately beautiful.
Within the narrative of the painting, the hummingbirds (the spiritual meaning for resilience and overcoming adversity), echo this spirit of resourcefulness. In nature it is the female hummingbird who constructs the nest and raises her young, embodying resilience, independence, and quiet strength, qualities that mirror the subject’s own act of reclaiming herself.” – Maria

A narrative artist, with a high attention to detail, Maria’s work is predominantly executed in oils or soft pastels. Her focus is on relationships, in all its forms. Central to her process is understanding the inner conflict and struggles that determine the path of those connections and conveying these emotions to the viewer.

Influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites from a very young age, I explore human relationships in their many forms, using visual storytelling to examine the emotional complexity and psychological tension within these connections.
Symbolic imagery and intentional use of colour, serve as tools to enhance the narrative and evoke deeper emotional engagement. Much of my inspiration comes from my own childhood, but I’m equally driven by anything that stirs a visceral or emotional response.
Gaze and expression play a central role in my portraits. I often employ a direct gaze to create a sense of intimacy, establishing a silent, ongoing dialogue between the subject and the viewer. Through these visual cues, I aim to capture a moment of vulnerability or emotional truth, something deeply human and universally felt.
Ultimately, I want my work to invite reflection and connection, encouraging viewers to engage not just with the subject, but with their own emotional experiences.

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