Some places in the ocean feel as though they hold their own kind of memory. Beneath the surface, everything changes—the light becomes softer, sounds become distant, and the world above gives way to something deeper and quieter.
Deep Within was inspired by that feeling of looking beneath the surface and entering a world that exists just beyond our reach. The orcas move through the deep blue water, surrounded by layers of colour, shadow and light. Their presence feels powerful, but there is also something peaceful about them as they disappear into the vastness of the ocean.
I wanted this piece to feel less like a scene being observed from the outside and more like a glimpse into the world beneath us. The deeper the eye travels into the painting, the more the details begin to soften, creating a sense of distance and depth.
The natural character of the driftwood adds another dimension to that idea. Its weathered surface and organic contours become part of the underwater world, connecting something shaped by the land with creatures that belong to the sea.
For me, Deep Within is about more than the orcas themselves. It is about the feeling of being drawn beneath the surface—to a quieter place, where there is space to breathe, reflect and simply be.
Dimensions: 15.25 × 5 inches
Artwork: Original, hand-painted driftwood
Subject: Orcas beneath the ocean surface
Medium: Hand-painted mixed media on natural driftwood
Finish: Clear resin
Base: Handcrafted copper feet
Display: Self-standing
Signed by: Mara Szyp
Some places in the ocean feel as though they hold their own kind of memory. Beneath the surface, everything changes—the light becomes softer, sounds become distant, and the world above gives way to something deeper and quieter.
Deep Within was inspired by that feeling of looking beneath the surface and entering a world that exists just beyond our reach. The orcas move through the deep blue water, surrounded by layers of colour, shadow and light. Their presence feels powerful, but there is also something peaceful about them as they disappear into the vastness of the ocean.
I wanted this piece to feel less like a scene being observed from the outside and more like a glimpse into the world beneath us. The deeper the eye travels into the painting, the more the details begin to soften, creating a sense of distance and depth.
The natural character of the driftwood adds another dimension to that idea. Its weathered surface and organic contours become part of the underwater world, connecting something shaped by the land with creatures that belong to the sea.
For me, Deep Within is about more than the orcas themselves. It is about the feeling of being drawn beneath the surface—to a quieter place, where there is space to breathe, reflect and simply be.
Dimensions: 15.25 × 5 inches
Artwork: Original, hand-painted driftwood
Subject: Orcas beneath the ocean surface
Medium: Hand-painted mixed media on natural driftwood
Finish: Clear resin
Base: Handcrafted copper feet
Display: Self-standing
Signed by: Mara Szyp
