"Ray of Light" original painting by Elizabeth Marshall - 30.5cm x 30.5cm

An original abstract painting by NZ artist, Elizabeth Marshall.

From the artist:

My Sage Advice Collection was born from a journey through trauma to a better place. 

We all have periods of stress, anxiety and calamity in our lives. What helped me move through that period is the basis for my Sage Advice Collection.

For me this work focuses on finding the 'ray of light' during periods of trauma and struggle. As the issues overwhelmed, and my life felt out of control, I developed a coping mechanism that I dubbed finding the ray of life, a reference to the old 'light at the end of the tunnel'. I didn't have a tunnel, but my working life was disintegrating in front of eyes from late 2023 onwards. As a struggled to make sense of a toxic environment I was prone to dark thoughts and new fears. I felt the light and joy evaporating from my world. 

But at some point - around April 2024 - I remembered who I was, how strong I am and how a single ray of light was all I needed in a day to make me hopeful. I am at heart an optimistic, glass half full girl who loves people, plants and peonies. And dogs. All I needed was a ray of light. 

Ray of Light is that hopefulness in artform. 

While I attribute my own meaning to all my artworks I am super happy for the viewer to find their own happiness and meaning in the pattern, colour and texture. These elements in and of themselves provide calm, restful and restorative properties to one's decor. 

• 30.5cm x 30.5cm / 12 inches square acid-free triple primed stretched cotton canvas 380gsm
• acrylic paint, mixed textured compound and metallic leaf
• surrounded by a pinewood shadow frame (removable via screws at the back)
• dimensions including frame approximately 32cm / 12 3/4 inches square
• varnished for protection and longevity
• created in Elizabeth Marshall's home studio in Dunedin