Galina Hitching
Art for Healing
As a visual artist and writer, I have discovered art is a gift from our Creator. Art equips us to name the darkness and then place a boundary around it. This is integral to why and how I create art.
My process is intuitive, organic, and rhythmic, a conversation and dance on canvas where I allow the colors and the Holy Spirit to guide me. Whether I’m starting an oil painting on black canvas, or tenderly preserving white in a watercolor, I push myself to be an observer and not attempt to control or reform what flows out. Even if it’s ugly. When I can’t push the texture and chaos any further, I begin the process of transformation, pulling out lines and shapes to bring order and beauty.
In each painting, I look for the light and push back the darkness by insisting on hope. Painting is a process of self-discovery and spiritual illumination. This allows me to look for unexpected patterns and connections in life and to connect with myself on a deep spiritual level. This leads to reflecting peace and hope to those who view my art.
Experience
2024 May
HUMAN
Grace Commons, Boulder, Colorado
2024 April
Bittersweet, A Season of Lent Exhibition
The Bridge Church, Lakewood, Colorado
2024 April
HUMAN
Bitfactory, Denver, Colorado
2024 March
Arts & Rec!
Kelly Recreation Center, Lakeland, Florida
2023 December
Northern Skies
Lake Wales Public Library, Lake Wales, Florida
2023 November
Art Crawl
Swan Brewing, Lakeland, Florida
2023 April
REFRAME: Deconstructing Culture & Identity – Capstone Exhibit
Polk State Winter Haven Gallery, Winter Haven, Florida
2023 April
Best in Category & Purchase Award – Polk State Student Exhibit
Polk State Lakeland Art Gallery, Lakeland, Florida
2023 January
Ordinary Saints–Creativity, Collaboration & Community
Square Halo Gallery, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
2022 April
Best in Show – Polk State Student Exhibit
Polk State Lakeland Art Gallery, Lakeland, Florida
2022 February
Empty Bowls 2022, Hand Painted Bowl Fundraiser
Lake Wales Care Center, Lake Wales, Florida
2017 August
Line, Form, & Color
Art Center Sarasota, Sarasota, Florida
TEACHING & FACILITATION
2021 to Current
Heart Restoration Trauma Healing Groups
6-week workshops that include teaching on the neuroscience of trauma, healing art activities, guided biblical meditations, and tools for self-regulating.
2022 November
Interactive presentation integrating brain science and art to facilitate mental and emotional support from a biblical framework.
2017 September
Paper Art Workshop at Repurpose Art Studio, Gospel Inc.