Hold Nothing Back
Acrylic and Mixed Media Painting | 11 x 14 inches | Framed in Black and Gold 12x16 Floater Frame
Hold Nothing Back is a layered exploration of what lies beneath the surface—the stories we carry, the things we hide, and the invitation to become fully open to love, healing, and transformation.
Beneath the rich layers of acrylic paint, I carefully placed fragments of newspaper articles that include the words “Nation and World” and references to the opioid crisis, quietly woven into the foundation of the piece. These hidden layers represent the realities, struggles, and stories that surround us every day. They speak to both the personal and collective experiences of a world searching for hope, healing, and restoration.
As additional layers emerge, fragments of scripture from Song of Songs appear, bringing a contrasting voice of love, longing, and hope. The painting carries both symbolic and real-world meaning—the tension between the visible struggles of humanity and the deeper spiritual longing within us all. The opioid references serve as a reflection on a real-world crisis and the ways we seek comfort, rest, and escape when we become disconnected from the true source of restoration and wholeness.
The title Hold Nothing Back reflects on how God holds nothing back in His love toward us, and that in relationship with Him, we are invited to release what we carry—our fears, wounds, and hidden places—bringing them into the light. In that surrender, we discover a deeper place of rest, healing, and transformation.
The organized abstract forms throughout the painting suggest both cellular structures and cocoons—symbols of life, growth, protection, and change. The balance between structure and movement reflects the journey between who we have been, who we are becoming, and who we were created to be.
This piece is created to invite reflection rather than dictate meaning. Hold Nothing Back is a reminder that transformation often happens beneath the surface. It speaks to the courage of letting go, embracing vulnerability, and allowing beauty to emerge from the layers of our experiences.
