Breathing Through the Thorns


This piece is a tribute to resilience—the human lungs, framed by flowering cacti, remind us that even in harsh conditions, life finds a way to bloom.

Breathing is more than survival; it’s a symbol of persistence and vitality. The cacti endure arid, unforgiving landscapes, yet their flowers burst forth with vibrant beauty. Similarly, our own breath sustains us, even during difficult times, empowering us to speak our truth and breathe life into our passions.

Every inhale is a reminder to pause, to reflect, and to nourish what truly matters. Every exhale is an act of release, making room for growth, creativity, and healing.

This painting reflects the belief that we can thrive, even when life feels heavy, by embracing our truth and finding beauty in the journey—no matter how prickly the path may be.

Available 

A Year In The Life

 This piece captures seasons of resilience, fear, and profound growth. Nearly half of those who experience autoimmune heart failure don’t survive six months post diagnosis , and reaching one year without another episode or further damage is rare. I was one of the lucky ones to defy those odds—but that year was filled with uncertainty and struggle. Each season felt like it might be my last. I held on to moments with the weight of finality, wondering if I’d experience them again. Yet, within that hardship, I found a strength I never knew I had. This painting is a tribute to that journey: the fight to keep going, the beauty of each season, and the quiet strength that emerged. I have held on to this and fought for this story for two and a half years now and felt it was time to put it onto canvas. “A Year in the Life” isn’t just about survival; it’s about transformation. It’s about finding power in vulnerability and hope in the present. It is my tribute and gratitude for nature - science and medicine. For anyone who’s fighting their own battle, this piece is for you—a reminder of the courage it takes to live fully, even in uncertainty. 

Available 
 Copyrighted by Paula Baldocchi 
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