Veil of Dualities began as a question I couldn't shake: how do we carry radiant outer lives while harbouring shadows that clamour in secret?
At first glance the canvas seems almost cheerful—sunflowers the size of small suns, a meadow splashed with playful colour, a cautious deer and sly foxes sharing the same breath. The woman in the foreground reaches toward the shadowed aperture to close it, protect herself. But her turned gaze meets you: "Do you see this? Do you see me?"
Then your eye is dragged into the vertical slit of darkness. In that window a different truth plays out—raw vulnerability, a silent cry! The contrast isn’t for drama’s sake; it’s the anatomy of how we exist—public sunshine and private storm—both essential, neither wholly sufficient alone.
A few things I loved exploring here:
Colour as rhetoric: warm yellows and verdant greens coax you into comfort, while deep blacks and muted skin tones in the panel demand a closer look. The colour shift is emotional geometry. The diagonal seam of the dark panel slices the canvas into two insistences, and her arm becomes the bridge—an act of reaching, retreat, or reconciliation, depending on where your empathy lands.
Foxes make mischief look elegant. They remind me that cunning and tenderness can occupy the same small body. The deer, delicate and alert, is the conscience of the meadow: it listens.
If Veil of Dualities speaks to you, it might be because you live with a similar seam: radiance that comforts others and a hidden room only the brave visit. Hang it where you gather courage—by a dim hallway that invites reflection, a bedroom that holds secrets, or a studio that needs a little mystery. It’s a piece that rewards lingering, the kind of artwork that doesn’t tell you what to feel but refuses not to be felt.
If you’d like to dive deeper—process notes, prints, or the story of how that tiny, anguished scene found its way behind the screen—reach out. I always enjoy hearing which side of the veil people live on, and which side they’re learning to visit.
The Orisha Pantheon
NEW SERIES - AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY Yoruba Orisha Pantheon
After I completed my Zodiac series, I took a couple of commissions, to keep my hand in while I was considering my next project. I also completed “Emerald Legacy” which explored the Divine Feminine through our ancestors. Emerald Legacy is available as high quality canvas prints only, as I have decided to keep the original for the time being as I am in love with it.
I am currently working on a painting entitled “The real cost of war” which is how I process my feelings about current events. However, it is hard going as every day there is a new atrocity causing shockwaves across the world.
So, I have decided to work on that piece between other less emotive paintings. I have always been interested in spiritualism, and began considering my own Caribbean background. The European pagan beliefs are frequently documented and there are many depictions of the Celtic and Nordic gods and goddesses. I began researching the Yoruba Orisha Pantheon; the Slave Trade led to the spread of African cultures across the Caribbean and Afro Caribbean religions, such as Shango in Trinidad, Vodou in Haiti, and Santeria in Cuba have roots in Yoruba traditional religion. My research made me realise that there were more similarities in the old religions than differences.
This sent me down a rabbit hole, so now I am starting a new series on the Orisha Pantheon, interpreting the Orisha onto canvas.
The Yoruba people have a rich and complex religious tradition that has been passed down through generations. I have started with Oshun, who is one of the most significant deities in the Orisha Pantheon. As a goddess of rivers and fresh waters, Oshun holds dominion over life giving forces. She nurtures and sustains life. Oshun attracts wealth and abundance to those who honour her and as a goddess of love, she represents the emotional bonds which unite people. In my opinion, she is similar to Brigid in the Celtic pagan belief, the goddess of spring and renewal.
“Beneath the Surface” portrays a contemplative face suspended in turquoise currents. Oshun has a small smile on her face as she holds a water lily to her lips, accepting our offering. A butterfly fish, a West African fresh water fish, weaves through the translucent layers, which both conceal and reveal. Green eyes glint with a secret; witty, tender and slightly uncanny.
The Art of Storytelling
The Zodiac Collection - Libra
The Zodiac collection was intended as a spiritual/fantasy collection; and most of the collection is uplifting and … well pretty! Libra (Justice) however, seems to have lost her fight! This piece was inspired by current events in America which have now drawn in the whole world! Justice is broken!
The Art of Storytelling
Discover the intersection of creativity and spirituality. Each piece tells a unique story, carefully curated to bring beauty and inspiration to your space.
Emerald Legacy - four generations, one unbroken thread, telling the story of the resilience of women.
Discover unique bold and colourful decor; bold, colourful original paintings and prints—perfect art for home decor. Shop originals, prints & cards from Gail Cuthbert Artist, studio based in Gainsborough Lincolnshire.
I create large colourful artworks which bring joy to your heart while speaking to your soul. Original paintings, visual story telling and high quality limited edition prints add beauty to your home and inspire your life. Gallery based in Gainsborough Lincolnshire
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We are passionate creators, dedicated to bringing unique artistic expressions into your space with original artworks and high quality limited edition prints. The studio and gallery is based in Gainsborough Lincolnshire.
Art That Inspires
I accept commissions for paintings of people or pets (or both) Prices vary depending on your vision. I work from my studio and gallery based in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire Please email for details. Gailcuthbertartist@gmail.com
Beautiful original pieces at affordable prices for your home. Art for your Home Decor — Original Paintings and limited edition prints | Gail Cuthbert
Art That Inspires
Original artwork and high quality limited edition prints which spark conversation and will uplift your home
Beautiful original pieces at affordable prices for your home. Art for your Home Decor — Original Paintings and limited edition prints | Gail Cuthbert
