Description

Tides of Becoming

Overview

Tides of Becoming is a striking original mixed-media artwork measuring approximately 100cm x 50cm, created by UK artist Rebecca Cross of For Abstract Sake. This piece brings together a rich combination of spray paint, acrylic paint, acrylic pens, alcohol inks, oil paint, mirrors and hand-collected sea glass sourced from the beaches of the northeast coast of England. With its layered oceanic palette, expressive portrait elements and natural textures, this artwork explores themes of transformation, personal growth, feminine intuition and emotional renewal. It is a visually immersive statement piece designed to bring depth, storytelling and contemporary elegance into any interior space.

Inspiration & Concept

At the heart of Tides of Becoming is the idea that transformation is not a single moment, but an ongoing flow—much like the movement of the sea. The artwork is inspired by the rhythms of nature, the shifts of identity that occur throughout our lives, and the quiet but powerful strength of feminine energy. The soft, fluid blues and turquoise tones echo the calming presence of water, while the textured elements mimic the unpredictable beauty of natural shorelines—places where life, memory and emotion accumulate over time.

Two ethereal female portrait studies rise gently from the layered background, each symbolising a different stage of becoming. The figure on the left appears soft, introspective and dreamlike; her presence suggests the early stages of awakening, where thoughts, emotions and intuitions begin to surface. The figure on the right carries a more confident and defined energy, her expression serene yet empowered. Together, these two faces represent the balance between reflection and emergence, inner stillness and outward transformation.

Materials, Texture & Technique

The piece is built using an intricate combination of contemporary mixed-media techniques. Spray paint forms the atmospheric foundation of the artwork, allowing soft gradients and mist-like layers to settle across the canvas. Acrylic paints and pens are used to sculpt delicate facial features and emphasise fine lines, creating contrast between the fluid background and the structured portrait work. Alcohol inks introduce organic, water-like movement, while the richness of oil paint adds depth, highlighting areas that call for emotional weight or visual grounding.

One of the most distinctive features of Tides of Becoming is the use of sea glass—collected by hand from northeast UK beaches. Each fragment has been shaped naturally by the ocean over time, symbolising resilience, refinement and the quiet polishing that life experiences bring. These pieces of glass create flowing trails across the canvas, echoing the idea of emotional currents, tidal patterns and the fragments of ourselves that evolve as we move through life. Their translucent surfaces allow them to catch and reflect light, giving the artwork a shifting presence depending on the room’s lighting and the viewer’s perspective.

Mirrored hexagonal shapes are embedded throughout the piece, introducing reflective portals that encourage viewers to see themselves within the artwork—both literally and metaphorically. The hexagon is a naturally occurring form found in crystal structures and honeycomb, representing harmony, unity and strength. These mirrored shapes act as grounding points within the dreamlike environment, adding contemporary structure to the flowing composition.

Symbolism & Themes

Tides of Becoming explores several deeply interwoven themes:

Emotional Flow & Transformation

The sweeping blues and layered textures represent the ever-changing emotional landscape, mirroring the ebb and flow of self-growth.

Feminine Strength & Intuition

The two female figures embody grace, power and emotional intelligence, reflecting the layered nature of womanhood.

Growth, Freedom & Ascension

A wing motif emerging from the right-hand portrait symbolises rising above limitations and stepping into new beginnings.

Reflection, Identity & Self-Connection

Mirrored hexagons prompt viewers to reflect on their own journey, identity and inner evolution.

Together, these elements form a visual narrative about reclaiming oneself, honouring change, and embracing the fluid yet powerful journey of becoming who you are meant to be.

Emotional Experience

The artwork offers a calming yet emotionally engaging presence. Whether viewed up close or from a distance, Tides of Becoming invites the viewer into a moment of pause, reflection and connection. It brings serenity to a space while still offering layers of intrigue and symbolic meaning to explore. Ideal for modern interiors, personal sanctuaries, creative environments or collectors seeking meaningful, textured contemporary art.