Comfort, Protection, and Creative Potential: Exploring the Nest Concept
As an artist, I’m drawn to symbols that have emotional resonance—those quiet visual metaphors that speak not only to beauty, but to what it means to be human. One such symbol has held my focus recently: the nest.
Contentment. Abstract contemporary mixed media painting on 12” x 12” cradled wood panel.
Over the past several months, I’ve created a new series of abstract and mixed media paintings, each inspired by the essence of a nest. These are not literal depictions. Rather, they are layered with meaning, and symbolic of the feelings, ideas, and energies a nest holds: comfort, safety, care, love, creativity, resilience, peace, comfort, protection, contentment, home, hope fertility and new beginnings.
Original mixed media painting on cradled wood. 20” x 20” x 1” in a light grey wood float frame, Total size is 21 1/2”
The inspiration began with a simple moment on a walk. Finding a bundle of twigs and grasses in a nook of a branch. It struck me how much meaning that small, unassuming shape contained. Nests are small miracles of design, love, and instinct. They are temporary homes, but also deeply intentional spaces—woven with purpose, shaped by protection. Crafted with patience and care, they cradle life and possibility and the power of creation itself. In many cultures and spiritual traditions, the nest is a powerful symbol. It’s seen as a place of protection, a safe harbor for new beginnings. It’s associated with creativity, guidance, and the manifestation of dreams. According to symbolismguide.com, a nest can represent fertility, hope, good fortune, and even divine protection—especially when found near one’s home. I was especially moved by the idea that birds choose to build nests where they feel trust—making them symbols of emotional safety and the promise of new beginnings.
Original acrylic painting on
24” x 24” x 1 ½” canvas. .
In this series, I’ve explored this theme using varied lines, colors, shapes, and textures. Acrylic paint, pencil, and layered collage suggest intertwining grasses, threads of memory, and forms that shelter, project or provide a calm space. Click on the image or title to see the painting in my Abstract Shop, see more images, and discover additional information.
Original abstract, contemporary, acrylic painting on 20” x 20” canvas.
As I created this series, I found myself reflecting not only on the idea of physical shelter, but also on emotional safety—on comfort, belonging, and the quiet beauty of creating space for ourselves and others. In this way, the nest became both a metaphor and a message: a symbol of rest, renewal, and the nurturing of dreams.
Original acrylic painting on 20” x 20” x 1 1/2” deep gallery-wrapped premium canvas. Sides are painted, grey acrylic.
My hope is that these paintings offer a sense of comfort and uplift—a visual pause that invites peace, reflection, possibility, and connection. Whether they evoke home, hope, nature, motherhood, or imagination, I believe the nest carries a universal reassurance. It speaks gently to our need to feel protected and grow, our need for love and a calm space for ourselves. I invite you to experience the gentle power and message I wish to express with my visual art. Visit my Abstract Shop to see the other paintings in this Nest Series, and to explore my other contemporary artwork.