Dancing with my shadow

My painting "Dancing with my shadow" is about becoming whole and healed through the integration of the shadow. Carl Jung described the shadow as “the thing a person has no wish to be.” It holds hidden qualities, capacities, and potential, which, if denied, can harm the personality. For instance, someone may believe that being assertive is selfish and therefore allow others to push them around, while secretly carrying resentment.

The shadow locks away a wide range of emotions, which then get projected onto others. We may dislike in someone else, what we actually struggle with within ourselves. Realizing this is the first step: self-awareness. Next comes acceptance: acknowledging what we dislike within ourselves without judgment. Though difficult, this opens the door to growth and healing. Finally, integration allows us to consciously embrace these traits and express them in a healthy way.

My painting reflects this process: the girl has integrated her shadow, shown in the purple, darker side of her. And she can now dance freely. Whole and healed, she channels her shadow with grace.

Details:

Paper Characteristics: Matte, uncoated, natural white paper.

Acid-Free: The alkaline papermaking process ensures a pH value above 7 with buffering to prevent yellowing or discoloration over time.
Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs): Low-OBA or OBA-free to maintain a consistently natural white tone and long-term color stability.
Paper Weight: 250 gsm (110 lb) for durable prints that retain their beauty for years.
Packaging: Sturdy packaging ensures safe delivery.
Environmental Responsibility: Made from FSC-certified (or equivalent) paper to support sustainable business practices.
Printing & Shipping: Printed and shipped on demand, with no minimum order quantity.