Christyn M Hall, Opaline, The Halcyon Birds

Mixed-media painting on canvas, 8 × 8″. Hall begins with multiple layers of digitally painted collage printed to canvas, then builds the surface with successive layers of acrylic paint, graphite, and rose gold. The rose with pearl recurs throughout her work; here it references the Tibetan mantra "Om mani padme hum," translated as "Oh my living God inside of me, you are the jewel that dwells at the center of the lotus of my heart." Birds appear as reminders of freedom. The Halcyon Birds pursue an encounter with the inner reality of Spirit, using image and material to invite quiet, intimate recognition.