Shadow Side Duo:
Existential Kink
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My Shadows are my Friends
Exploring the shadow self, the unconscious mind, and the ability to integrate our hidden parts into conscious awareness.
The Inspiration behind ‘My Shadows are my Friends”
My Shadows Are My Friends was born from a season of grief and the realization that healing isn't about getting rid of the parts of ourselves we struggle with, it's about learning to meet them with compassion.
This piece became a way of exploring what was hiding beneath anger and resentment. What seemed like difficult emotions on the surface revealed something much softer underneath: grief that had never been given the space to exist.
Instead of seeing her shadow self as something to fix or overcome, she began to understand it as a collection of neglected parts that had been trying to protect her all along. The more she allowed these emotions to exist without shame or judgment, the more they transformed from something to fear into something to understand.
My Shadows Are My Friends is an invitation to look at healing differently. It reminds us that our shadows aren't flaws to conquer, but parts of ourselves waiting to be acknowledged. Sometimes the greatest act of healing isn't letting go of our darkness, it's learning to befriend it.
The Inspiration behind ‘Existential Kink”
Existential Kink is inspired by the idea that the parts of ourselves we hide are often the very parts asking to be seen.
Influenced by shadow work and the concepts explored in Carolyn Elliott's Existential Kink, the painting explores what happens when we stop resisting the emotions, desires, and experiences we've been taught to label as "too much," "wrong," or "shameful."
The image of a half-exposed woman taking a selfie became the perfect metaphor. One half of her exists within what's socially accepted, while the other steps into the light. By holding the camera herself, she isn't simply being seen, she's choosing how she's seen. She's reclaiming ownership of her body, her story, and the parts of herself that once felt forbidden.
Rather than encouraging us to reject our shadow, Existential Kink asks what might happen if we became curious about it instead. What if the parts we've spent years hiding aren't obstacles to healing, but doorways into a deeper relationship with ourselves?
At its heart, this painting is about self-acceptance, personal agency, and the freedom that comes from integrating every part of who we are.
To view more detailed photos of each piece, simply click on the photos below.
For any questions, offers, or additional perks like framing, contact Marine at studio@marineaimee.com or visit the contact page.
Inspired by the artist's own journey through grief, My Shadows Are My Friends is a reminder that healing begins when we stop fighting the parts of ourselves we've hidden away. It invites us to meet our anger, fear, and sorrow with compassion, discovering that our shadows may have been asking to be understood all along.
Oil on Canvas
36” x 24” inches [91.5 × 61 cm]
Made in Canada - 2026
Hand-stretched, ready to hang
Unframed
Signed by the artist
Certificate of Authenticity included
Free shipping [Canada + International]
Offers in the range of the listing price are always welcome.
Ships in 1-2 weeks from time of purchase.
Please note that the buyer is responsible for any import duties + taxes that may be imposed on international orders.
Inspired by the artist's own journey through grief, My Shadows Are My Friends is a reminder that healing begins when we stop fighting the parts of ourselves we've hidden away. It invites us to meet our anger, fear, and sorrow with compassion, discovering that our shadows may have been asking to be understood all along.
Oil on Canvas
36” x 24” inches [91.5 × 61 cm]
Made in Canada - 2026
Hand-stretched, ready to hang
Unframed
Signed by the artist
Certificate of Authenticity included
Free shipping [Canada + International]
Offers in the range of the listing price are always welcome.
Ships in 1-2 weeks from time of purchase.
Please note that the buyer is responsible for any import duties + taxes that may be imposed on international orders.
Inspired by the practices of shadow work and psychological integration, Existential Kink explores the freedom that comes from reclaiming the parts of ourselves we've been taught to hide. Through a woman who chooses to reveal herself on her own terms, the painting becomes a reflection on vulnerability, self-sovereignty, and embracing the whole self.
Oil on Canvas
36” x 24” inches [91.5 × 61 cm]
Made in Canada - 2026
Hand-stretched, ready to hang
Unframed
Signed by the artist
Certificate of Authenticity included
Free shipping [Canada + International]
Offers in the range of the listing price are always welcome.
Ships in 1-2 weeks from time of purchase.
Please note that the buyer is responsible for any import duties + taxes that may be imposed on international orders.
Inspired by the practices of shadow work and psychological integration, Existential Kink explores the freedom that comes from reclaiming the parts of ourselves we've been taught to hide. Through a woman who chooses to reveal herself on her own terms, the painting becomes a reflection on vulnerability, self-sovereignty, and embracing the whole self.
Oil on Canvas
36” x 24” inches [91.5 × 61 cm]
Made in Canada - 2026
Hand-stretched, ready to hang
Unframed
Signed by the artist
Certificate of Authenticity included
Free shipping [Canada + International]
Offers in the range of the listing price are always welcome.
Ships in 1-2 weeks from time of purchase.
Please note that the buyer is responsible for any import duties + taxes that may be imposed on international orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Due to the nature of painting with oils, adequate drying time is required before paintings can be safely packaged and shipped.
New listings may require 6-8 weeks prior to shipping.
Artwork that has been listed for more than two months will ship within 1-2 weeks.
Please check specific listings for estimated wait times.
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Yes! Free worldwide shipping available for all original paintings. For any questions concerning shipping contact studio@marineaimee.com
*Please note that your shipment may be subject to duties upon arrival in your country. Marine Aimée is not responsible to pay any custom duties on international orders, all responsibility is with the customer once the item has been dispatched from Canada.
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Yes! Free shipping is available for all original paintings. Please note the buyer is responsible for any duties and import taxes.
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Yes! All original art comes hand-stretched, ready to hang and with a Certificate of Authenticity unique to the piece you’re purchasing.
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You can reach out anytime via the contact page or email directly at studio@marineaimee.com. I aim to respond quickly—usually within three business days.
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All sales of original art are final. Full and partial refunds are considered if your item is damaged. Please contact me within 48 hours of delivery with proof of damage.
Please refer to the Refund Policy page for more detailed information or contact me directly at studio@marineaimee.com -
I am always open to offers on original artwork, as well as discussing any add-ons such as framing. Contact me directly at studio@marineaimee.com for any offers.