NO.1
Spirit Animal: The Snake
I’m creating this collection called “Spirit Animals” as I find it interesting how each creature can hold so much wisdom without them knowing. It enables deeper reflection and awareness within ourselves and towards our relationship with others. This passion project provides a safe space for me to be unapologetically myself, and vulnerable to like-minded individuals. I hope it finds the right crowd!
TRANSFORMATION • HEALING
I started with a snake as it relates to my healing journey this past few years. Snakes shed their skin which symbolizes transformation and the ability to leave their past behind.
I left home 5 years ago to pursue a creative path (to which I am extremely passionate about), but it took a toll on me. Although I am grateful for how my career turned out, a black hole appeared in other areas as I rebuilt my “new” life.
Immigration is never an easy option. Leaving everything behind, in search of a future, always comes at a painful price. The experience is different for everyone, but I felt like I had been in the dark far too long as I blamed external causes for my unhappiness.
It was only last year that I began to feel hopeful again. I’ve built a new home in my heart filled with love and light — good people, healthier habits, better memories, and laser-focused energy towards the life I desire.
I know deep down that we are responsible for our own lives. If we're willing to do the work, there’s always a way to turn things around. We have to intentionally make that decision to emerge anew. Like the snake, we have to purge the unnecessary, instead of waiting for things to unfold.
Have you ever felt the need to re-invent yourself after experiencing the lowest of lows?
DUALITY • BALANCE
Across various mythologies and biblical stories, the snake embodies the essence of duality and balance — the polar opposites such as good and evil, life and death, or the creation and destruction.
As I enter my late 20s, I have met various contradicting versions of myself. I have learned to embrace it all. We do not have one identity. We’re constantly evolving based on our experiences and the given situation. Recognizing this makes it easier to understand our relationship with others and why each individual brings out different sides of us.
You are not for everyone, and everyone is not for you.
I believe the most precious thing we have in this life is our energy, and we have to fiercely protect it at all costs. When something feels off when we spend time with people, in jobs, or in cities that aren’t meant for us, we have to listen to our emotions. I started taking mental notes of how each factor made me feel so I could easily weed out anything that didn’t serve me.
It’s important to discern where we want to invest our precious energy and to balance kindness with healthy boundaries to protect one's well-being.
One of the pivotal questions posed by my work is, "What can you release right now?". The snake, with its ability to shed its old skin, invites us to shed burdens that no longer serve us. It's time to cast away negative energy, unhealthy beliefs, and unreasonable expectations. Release the "what ifs", and work toward where you want to be in life.
The changes you'll endure can be uncomfortable. The snake will come to you when it's time to rip the bandaid off. Heal from within and become stronger than before.
Through this transformative process, I discovered the importance of trusting my own wisdom and choosing sources of sustenance that truly resonate with my authentic self.
Ultimately, I hope my work inspires others to dig deeper within, embrace change as a path to growth, and courageously prioritize themselves.
SHOP ART PRINTS & PRE-ORDER THROW
Ships worldwide 🌎
Snake Woven Throw 72x54
This is the first in its series. I decided to create this product as it’s functional and versatile. I mostly use mine as a picnic blanket as I love spending time at the park. It serves as a great conversational piece.
Snake Art Print 11x14
You can also purchase a print if you’d like to get an up-close look at all the brushstrokes in their original color. I’ve been playing around with gouache and watercolor. The overall piece is soothing to look at.
FAQ
-
Pre-orders are woven on demand. Please allow 2 weeks to create your order. You will receive an update from me once it is ready to be shipped and I will provide the tracking number.
Specific questions about delivery dates can be addressed to me at reeseystudio@gmail.com.
-
As this is a passion project of mine, I worked with a US vendor that values quality and sustainability.
These woven textiles are certified OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. This certification ensures that their materials have been tested and proven that they are free of any harmful and toxic chemicals.
It is made with a sustainable blend of 100% Cotton and Recycled Cotton using Jacquard Looms.
This versatile fabric can function as a throw, wall tapestry, or picnic blanket.
-
These are woven with a sustainable blend of cotton and recycled cotton. This creates a long-lasting fade and shrink-resistant breathable blanket.
It is easily maintained and only gets softer over time. Below are the recommended washing practices:
Handwash with a mild detergent
Machine-wash separately in a gentle cycle, and should be dried cool.
-
Yes! Let’s make it special and add a personalized note for free. I love receiving art as a gift so I’d like to make this meaningful to the receiver as well.
After placing the order, please message via Etsy or at reeseystudio@gmail.com to discuss the details.
-
I’ve always wanted to create a series of paintings relating to botanicals and animals as I find it therapeutic to paint nature. The concept of spirit animals sparked when I discovered a book titled, “Find Your Animal” by Dina Saalisi.
I found it entertaining how we can learn so much about each creature without them knowing. They hold so much wisdom that enables deeper reflection and awareness within ourselves and towards our relationship with others.
I started with a snake as it relates to my journey this past few years. I had been in the dark far too long. Blaming external causes for my unhappiness took the power out of my hands. We are responsible of our lives, and we always have a choice. Are we brave enough?
I felt the need to shed my old skin and transform my mindset. I am grateful to be part of this generation where we value mental health more than ever. We’re not afraid to prioritize ourselves over pleasing everyone. In some cultures, it can be seen as disrespect, but I think it’s important to discern where we want to invest our precious energy. No one should take that away from us as it is ours to give.
To focus on one’s own healing does not mean we’re broken, but we’re trying to be better and more aware of what matters the most. There is a lot of suffering in life, and it’s inevitable. By accepting the truth, we are more likely to live a good life — to live in harmony with our deepest values and goals.
I am generally seen as a happy person, but I am also an emotional and introspective human. My thoughts may not be universally true, but I am firm about my beliefs. I hope my art inspires you to dig deeper within, and only take the nugget of wisdom you resonate with.
Thank you for reading this far and for supporting my passion project!
-
Between balancing my full-time job and planning my sister’s wedding, I am hoping to release another one mid-next year. I have made a list of possible spirit animals I’d like to focus on.
Submit your vote below if there’s any creature in particular you’re excited about. Follow me on Instagram for updates.
CAST YOUR VOTE FOR
THE NEXT SPIRIT ANIMAL
OTHER ART PRINTS AVAILABLE
Sugarbush Protea Art Print 11x17
Fun fact: Protea is a genus of South African flowering plants, also called sugarbushes! It is named after the Greek sea god, Proteus, who could change his form at will, possibly because they have various forms.
Cactus Art Print 11x17
Fun fact: I painted this back in 2019 before my work trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. I included a woven basket as I had the chance to meet and spend time with the master basket weavers in a small village.
5-STAR REVIEWS FROM CUSTOMERS
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
I couldn’t be happier with the kindness and service I've received from this seller. Reese was absolutely wonderful to communicate with, she was very responsive and sent the blanket as soon as possible! Also loved the personal touches added to the packaging, it was clearly thought out and wrapped with customer care. The blanket is perfect! The tapestry is so elegant and beautiful. I love the print, colors, and the thickness of it. Good size too, really good for a cute park date or for snuggling up in on a couch. This has to be one of the best things I have bought. I would order from here again!
— Mark Lechuga, Etsy Buyer
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
I super love this print! Super excited to hang this!
— Gabby Firmacion, Etsy Buyer
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
WOW. This painting is even more beautiful in real life. I had a frame for it before it even arrived and now I can’t wait to get it up on the wall! Even my boyfriend loves it and said we should hang it in a common area! The packaging was great and it arrived safely. Thank you so much!!!