Painting My Fears: A Personal Art Collection Exploring Fear, Trust, and Transformation
Painting My Fears is a deeply personal art collection that traces my journey from fear to connection. Inspired by childhood memories of stray dogs in my neighbourhood of Prishtina and evolving into a heartfelt admiration for animals, this series captures a transformation shaped by experience and growth.
From Childhood Fears to Embracing Animals: The Story Behind the Collection
Growing up, animals—especially dogs and horses—felt unpredictable and frightening. These early feelings stayed with me long after leaving home. However, my perspective began to change gradually, starting with Tayto, a little puppy belonging to my son’s friend during lockdown. With Tayto, I took small, meaningful steps to overcome fear—not only for myself but also for my boys.
The Influence of Daisy and Pepper: Trust and Calmness Through Animals
Next came Daisy, a fluffy companion who brought joy and comfort, followed by Pepper, a beautiful grey-spotted horse I met during a trip to Canada. Riding Pepper was a revelation—I felt calm and connected as we navigated breath-taking trails. Through trusting Pepper, I began to release long-held fears and embrace new strength.
Artistic Process: Layers of Emotion and Storytelling
Each painting in Painting My Fears starts with loose charcoal or graphite sketches to capture energy and movement. I build layers with ink washes, acrylics, and finish with oils to highlight texture and emotion. Every layer tells a part of the story—reflecting not just animals but the journey through fear, trust, and transformation.
Why This Collection Matters
This collection is a heartfelt tribute to the animals and people who helped me see the world differently. It’s a celebration of courage, healing, and the power of connection through art.
If you would like me to paint your pet you can contact me here and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Paintings in this series are:
Ocean Gallop