Fine Art: Contemporary Expressionism by Hope Weiss
Cage of Contention
We all face inner contention—mind versus heart, spirit versus flesh, the known versus the unknown. This internal struggle is crucial for growth and self-discovery, yet it should not render us stagnant. Fear often keeps us confined within a metaphorical cage, even one with an open door, because it's familiar. However, freedom awaits those who dare to confront their fears and venture out. Like many, I hesitated, afraid to move forward or retreat, and found myself waiting too long. This artwork was created from my own wrestling with these conflicts, ultimately embracing the chance to fly, which revealed that I was indeed made for it.
The song "Cageless Birds" by Melissa Helser was a significant inspiration and accompaniment for this project
40x40- $2800, completed in 2023, digital/ acrylic on canvas
The Favor of Light:A Daughter’s Birthright
The confidence and fearless abandon of a child who is certain she is safe in the company of her father. Knowing he will catch her if she falls and not scold her for being careless…what a feeling. Do you remember the last time you felt this way-have you ever? I think on some level we all need to experience it in order to step into our true self. To know our worth and to believe that we really do matter. Not because someone else says we do, but because it’s a fact of the universe. The Father of Light, the one who created it and you made it so. I’m a daughter of the most high God, and as His heir I have the exquisite privilege of walking in the favor and peace of his presence. Experiencing and embracing this in my own life has inspired this work of art. Mystery, imagination and wonder are parts of us we tend to loose as we grow up…. Let’s become that young girl again and find that joy and freedom!
The song “ Daughter” by artist Sleeping at Last, was a great accompaniment to this project.
40x60- $4200, Completed in 2023, Digital/ Acrylic on canvas
Little Bird
Healing the inner child can seem like a strange concept, but this piece reflects just that—a conversation between who I am now and who I’m becoming, seen through the eyes of my younger self. Inspired by a song dear to me, “Little Bird,” it feels like a dialog between myself, my Creator, and the child within. The song speaks of healing, courage, freedom, and love for who I was always meant to be. It reminds me to keep that childlike wonder alive and embrace the purpose we’re given to soar to great heights.
I hope this piece brings you joy today.
The song “Little Bird” by Our Atlantic Roots was a significant influence during the creation of this work.
34x48- $2800, completed in 2024, digital/ acrylic on canvas
Light Hearted
When we let go of control and surrender our hearts, funny and wonderful things can happen. Letting go helped me find my inner light, and in that process joy bubbled out for all to see. Light and dark in juxtaposition help us see the richness of life, the texture and reflection of what we really are. Be the bright thing in the darkness, see how fun, joy, and play can be a beautiful compliment to the deepness of soul.
11x14- $800 (SOLD), completed in 2019, Prisma Pencils on paper
Finding Your Voice
This piece has double meaning for me. It was the first work that really made me think, huh…. this feels like me. The color, the texture, the flow, it just felt right. Thus my creative voice emerged. The deeper meaning however is about speaking up, expressing yourself authentically, and being brave. Even though there was change and chaos whipping all around me, I felt at peace finally embracing who I was- I was finding my voice.
46x36- $2800, completed in 2021, Acrylic on canvas
Absolution
Life is hard. None of us get to escape the breadth of human emotion or pain. Most carry guilt and shame like a weight we can’t let go of and it can make us do, say, and think some really crazy things. The human experience is full of us making mistakes and stumbling our way through life usually leaving a trail of hurt and brokenness in our wake. This piece was an expression of the emptying I felt in my own pain.
Absolution by definition is: the formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment. The consequences of our actions often do have real world implications, and are definitely a part of our maturing process, but we don’t have to carry them in our spirit forever. It doesn’t have to be that ever present weight we drag with us. We can decide to accept absolution of our souls.
18x24- $500, completed In 2021, digital painting, poster print
Be Near Burning One : A Vision
Once, I had the extraordinary experience of seeing an angel, and I wasn’t alone in this encounter. It was a miraculous moment where the presence of the divine was unmistakably near, leaving me both humbled and awestruck. The angel appeared to embody traits of both seraphim and cherubim as described in the scriptures—elements of the fiery seraphim and the all-seeing cherubim from the books of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation. This encounter felt deeply sacred, a moment of pure holiness. The artwork I’ve created is my attempt to express the incredible vision we witnessed.
38x46- $3200, completed in 2024,Digital painting on canvas
Seeing
This artwork marks a pivotal moment in my life—the beginning of my tattoo career and a deeper journey into self-discovery. I crafted it during a time when I needed to honestly face the dualities within myself, recognizing both the strengths and flaws that shape who I am.
As you view this piece, I hope you can feel the profound awakening it represents for me. It was born from a period of letting go—releasing outdated beliefs, moving past concerns about how others saw me, and embracing the truth that I was meant to simply be myself. This journey of acceptance brought new balance to my life and a clear vision that now guides both my art and my approach to life.
Visions Ascending
The symbol of the little bird recurs in my art and holds deep personal meaning. “Little Bird” is more than just a name to me; it represents the safety and protection I find in my Creator. In the past, the idea of being a “little bird” suggested vulnerability—something small and fragile, easily caged for others’ enjoyment. However, I’ve transcended that notion. Now, embracing the identity of “Little Bird” means cherishing and protecting its ability to bring joy and melody into the world.
This piece represents my journey from an old identity to a new one, symbolizing the courage required to break free and the effort needed to soar into new adventures. It’s about the strength to seek flight, acknowledging that ascending to new heights requires determination and hard work.
Inspired by the song “Little Bird” by Jenny Owen Youngs, this work explores themes of freedom and self-discovery, resonating deeply with my journey.
24x34- $1400, completed in 2024, digital/acrylic on canvas
Glow Up
A self portrait. Silly, fun, bright and a little badass... What I used to think was my alter ego turned out to just be the real me inside- it was time to let her out. The light inside me, paired with a little messy on the outside, turned out to be just the thing I needed experience a serious GLOW UP!
46x36- $2800, Completed in 2021, Acrylic on canvas
Still Small Voice
In this artwork, the ginkgo leaf symbolizes resilience and renewal, resonating with spiritual themes of growth and revival. Known for enduring harsh conditions, these leaves remind us of our own capacity to flourish through life’s challenges, supported subtly by divine grace.
As you view this piece, consider it a reflection of your journey. The serene figure depicted here, illuminated by a bright light suggestive of insight, mirrors the peace and introspection found in spiritual growth. The split in the leaves represents life’s dualities—its trials and triumphs—and invites us to seek harmony in our experiences.
This artwork encourages reflection on your path, the obstacles overcome, and the tranquility achieved in understanding yourself more deeply, perhaps with a spiritual nudge.
26x38- $1800, completed in 2024, digital/acrylic on canvas
Beyond the Dark
Born from a whirlwind of raw emotion, this piece captures a moment where hurt and confusion seemed to swirl endlessly, painting the canvas with the intensity of those feelings. The dark shadows reflect the depths of pain, while the bold reds and pinks pulse with the fierce energy of anger and heartache.
Amidst this turmoil, white forms emerge—like stepping stones in a stormy sea—offering a fragile sense of direction. They hint at the possibility of clarity and calm, even when the path is obscured. The vertical shapes, akin to distant doorways, suggest new beginnings waiting to be discovered, though not yet fully revealed.
This work is a visual exploration of resilience—a journey through chaos toward something brighter. It speaks to the small, tentative steps we take when we’re lost in the dark, and the glimpses of light that guide us forward. In this dance of color and form, there’s a reminder that even in our most challenging moments, the potential for renewal and growth is ever-present. This is a story of finding hope in the midst of upheaval, and embracing the unknown with a spirit of determination.
The song, “You’re Gonna Be Ok” by Jenn Johnson is a beautiful accompaniment to this work, and shares the hope we can have even through pain.
36x48- $3000, competed in 2024, acrylic on canvas
