"Release"
“Sometimes, you don’t realize the weight of something you’ve been carrying until you feel the weight of its release.” — Unknown
I took a break from creating pieces like this for the last three years. Earlier this year, I felt a strong pull to return to it. But like so many things, it’s easy to keep putting it off. I wanted to create something that captured the feeling of letting go—of the things I felt were holding me back from making art. In a way, this piece became my release, a way to give myself permission to create again.
What I love about it is that it doesn’t have to be just about art. It can be about letting go of anything—thoughts, fears, or memories that weigh a person down. As the “birds” take flight, I feel lighter, more whole. It’s a moment of surrender, of choosing to release what no longer serves me and making room for growth, healing, and peace.
But I also like to leave my pieces open-ended. Is she truly free, or is there still some lingering attachment? Are the birds a part of her—and if so, does she feel emptier without them? This piece invites the viewer to reflect on what they’re holding onto, and what it might mean to finally let those things go.
©2025 Angela Marvel Fine Art
Award winning photographer, Angela Marvel, creates conceptual self-portraiture, exploring themes of isolation, identity, and emotional resilience, blending surreal storytelling with symbolic elements.
Please visit angelamarvel@gmail.com for more info.