AMYGDALA HIJACK

Artist – Sally A Barr

 32 x 40 inches

2023

London, Uk

Mixed media on canvas

London UK

Inspirations and thoughts

Amygdala Hijack is a malfunction in the brains fight or flight response.  You are stuck sometimes for hours, when triggered, gripped with anxiety and it takes immense mental strength in the moment, to soothe the brain that you are safe.  I wanted to capture it on canvas.

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I use flowers in my work to show humanity and add extra meaning in the colours and flower choice.  Each flower holds meaning either in the Latin name, or in its nature or even circumstance. 

The nautical theme sometimes present in my work represents the 'fight back'. The adventure, spirit and mischief of the seas is very relatable to me. 

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The texture adds a rawness for me.  I want my work to be emotive, to speak.  It adds a sensory aspect to the pieces, connecting the viewer directly with the lines and flow of the piece.

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The flowers and their meanings

• peony - compassion

• echinacea - health, wellness, healing

• black-eyed susan - endurance

• lavender - silence, serenity, grace, and calmness

• camassia - consciousness, encouragement, strength and pride

• black gladioli - strength of character, faithfulness, moral integrity, and remembrance

• white poppies - achieving peace and challenging the way we look at war

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Why the cephalopod? 

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The octopus just in appearance alone, is to me, busy.  An octopus has 9 brains.  The main one and one for each arm, so that they can operate independently.  I imagined a canvas bursting with arms, interrupting the fragile flowers. 

I decided to have one arm burst through the glass to capture that distinctive sound and its power to freeze a person in their movement or speech. The arm bursting through is representing the ' frozen in potential danger' feeling, but I wanted him to be holding a flower out, as if to say it was an accident and he's sorry for the trouble. 

As an added bonus spiritually Octopuses represent creativity, encouragement to move towards ones goals in an unorthodox way, removing excess emotional and physical baggage.  Absolutely perfect for the piece.

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