Keep Breathing

SOLD

36” x 44” gallery stretchers 
Ink and acrylic on canvas

Breathing is an incredible process. In the split second that it takes to inhale, air fills the lungs, oxygen moves into the blood, and during exhalation, carbon dioxide moves from the blood to the lungs and is then expelled. It is wild to think that breathing is mandatory in order to survive, and the majority of the time we’re doing it involuntarily, without any effort. We’re automatically programmed to survive. 

When was the last time you focused on your breath? Took a minute to focus on the sensation of inhaling - feeling the air fill your lungs, noticing the expansion of your chest and diaphragm? Have you paid attention to that feeling of relief you experience when you exhale and your chest falls, your shoulders soften with release? Being aware of your breathing can be calming, grounding and help you stay focused on the present moment. But while you’re being deliberate with your breath, controlling the experience, there is so much “behind the scenes” that is happening inside your body without any effort on your part. You can only be in control of so much of the breathing experience - you can be deliberate about the inhaling and exhaling, but the rest of the breathing process that sustains your life just kind of happens. 

It makes me think about how there are things that happen to us in our lives that are within our control. We can make decisions, we can set plans in motion, we can do our best to affect the outcome of a situation in our favour, but in reality, we can only do so much before we have to accept that so many factors are outside of our control. We can try to control some things, but ultimately, going with the flow, being as fluid as your own breath, is the only way to move forward.

This painting is about the beautiful experience of breathing - the anticipation of taking a deep breath, the satisfaction of letting go through exhaling, and the real benefit of breathing that happens without our effort in our bodies. This painting is a reminder to keep breathing, keep planning, keep hoping, but knowing that despite the effort, things will happen anyways, and you will just have to go with the flow.

More info about this product:

This painting was hand-stretched by the artist in her studio on 1.5" thick gallery stretchers. It can be hung as an exposed canvas, or framed in a floating wood frame for a more polished look. This painting comes with a hand-written artist statement and signature. If you purchase this painting you will be contacted by the artist for more information about pick-up options in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, or delivery/shipping information. Please note that the buyer is responsible for any shipping charges and/or for picking up the painting, but the artist will facilitate the process by obtaining quotes, packaging the product safely, and bringing it to a shipping centre at no extra cost. Reach out to the artist directly through the Contact page for any inquiries regarding this piece.

*This is an original painting by Tania LaCaria, there is only one in the world.