Artist finds inspiration in the forest and creates magical portraits
Where do you usually find shelter when you are most stressed and want to escape? Is there a special place that draws you, where you feel safe and relaxed?
The American Psychology Association explains that many people who suffer from anxiety and depression have the tendency to seek ways to escape from the real world. They define the term “escapism” and it refers to the need to leave the material world and seek comfort in a fantasy world.
And what better “fantasy” world than the one hidden under the canopy of trees? It isn’t random that so many fairy tales were written to take place in a forest. For each of us, the forest undoubtedly represents something different but we can all agree that there is something magical among the high trees and the green foliages.
So, it isn’t surprising at all when Hannah Bullen-Ryner, a painter and photographer, decided to roam in the forest in order to deal with her anxiety and postnatal depression.
Bullen-Ryner was a nature lover, so when she started needing an escape, she thought what a better place to be than the woods? There in the silence of the forest, she was able to be calm for an hour. The beautiful landscapes were enabling her to finally express her feelings.
And, that’s how she started to artistically express herself through a series of animal portraits she created, using leaves, flowers, twigs, and even berries. The forest ground became her canvas and the things she found around her, her tools.
On her account on Instagram, she started showcasing her portraits, where we can see how beautiful and realistic they appear. She’s obviously a quite talented artist as she has a great eye for detail and colors.
Many people fighting with anxiety and depression often find different ways to express themselves, such as through dancing, writing, or painting. The psychologists urge and encourage this artistic motivation to their patients as it often helps them heal.
Bullen-Ryner explained that “for me, it is the ephemeral nature of what I do that has become like therapy for my soul. I get to put down all my anxieties, my fears, all the chaos from my brain and turn it into something beautiful to honor Mother Nature. I take some photos and then walk or cycle away, leaving it all behind and feeling calmer, more connected, and truly lighter”.
Finally, she was able to start healing through this ephemeral art she was creating. But apparently, Bullen-Ryner wasn’t the only “touched” by her art, many people rushed to congratulate her for her portraits and the way she created such beautiful pieces, using material coming from nature.
“I have messages from all over the world these days from people inspired to show others what I do or try it themselves. It makes my heart full to know that people have been giving back to Mother Earth in similar ways. She deserves our utmost love, respect, appreciation, and protection,” said Bullen-Ryner.
Her portraits are truly mesmerizing and you keep expecting them to come to life, like the magic of the forest will somehow touch them and they will start moving. For those of you living close to the forest area, you can always follow Bullen-Ryner’s example and create your own “magical” portraits.
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Source: MyPositiveOutlooks, Instagram