Defense Mechanism

by Nadia Rausa

Back when I was still a beginner artist, I loved creating ink drawings heavy in lineart. Especially when it came to drawing hair! I’m not sure why I lost touch with that part of my creative process, but I was inspired to get back to my roots.

This piece, for me, represents the subconscious building of defense mechanisms. The trauma and heartbreak in our lives can sometimes cause us to build a sort of barbed wire shell in hopes to stop future pain, but sometimes that doesn’t allow us to come face-to-face with those hurts. Whatever you have gone through in this life, may love shower you. Even if it doesn’t heal, let it bring solace, and the courage to break open from your protective shell when you feel ready.

Height: 6 inches
Width: 4 inches
Medium: Pen, ink

$218 $218

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Nadia Rausa

Nadia Rausa (she/they) is a half-Korean artist and author living on Dena'ina land, commonly referred to as Southcentral Alaska. Her work has been described as haunting and ethereal, something she wholeheartedly embraces during her creative process. From ghostly or apathetic figures to creatures overtaken by nature, Nadia’s work focuses on intertwining the reality and liminality of life and death. She has been included in various gallery shows and publications since 2017 and has released seven small self-published works as of 2023.

Outside of creating, you can find Nadia communing with ravens and dwelling in moss. She enjoys spending her free time sitting in nature, gaming of board/card and video varieties, reading horror and fantasy stories, and spending time with her partner and their sassy tabby cat named Tabby.