New Art: “Whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty”
“Whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty.” (2025). Mixed media on canvas. 30 x 30cm.
The story of this painting
The title of this artwork comes from a line in Mary Oliver’s poem, “Don’t Hesitate.”
In the poem, Oliver encourages us to allow ourselves moments of happiness, and to welcome joy without fear, guilt, or hesitation, even when life feels dark or difficult. She acknowledges that sorrow and suffering are inevitable parts of the human experience, but she insists that joy is just as real and necessary.
This poem - and my artwork - has me thinking about how scary grief can be to look at and delve into when we know that our grief runs deep. And how, when we’ve known the pain of grief, allowing ourselves to stop bracing against loss, let go, and jump into deep pools of joy can also feel so very vulnerable.
This petite abstract landscape is about those times when we know there’s deep grief - or deep joy - inviting us to let go and let them in. There’s so much liberation to be found in diving into those depths, but instead we brace ourselves and just dip our toes in. We rationalize our hesitation with reminders of our long to-do lists and guilt about the frivolity or privilege of therapy or being joyful in a world so full of suffering. But it’s really that we fear the incredible vulnerability of opening to our joy or our grief.
You’ve lost enough. Don’t hold back and miss out on the deep insights and joys waiting for you in the depths. Dive in!
Come have a closer look…
I want to show you my favourite things about this painting…
the simple and spacious colour palette and composition with a large shape that feels soft and containing.
It’s delicate textures that invite you to step closer, slow down and linger so you can enjoy them.
And the small but strong light breaking through on the horizon.
Interested in this painting?
This painting is available for purchase now. I created it using mixed media on canvas and its unframed dimensions are 30 x 30cm. Framed in a white wood frame as pictured above, it’s available for €275. Shipping is additional.
Email me at cath@cathduncan.com if you’d like to discuss it, see it on video link, or receive a shipping quote. I’ll be happy to help!
Here’s more FAQs about buying and shipping my artwork.