Haven

Haven

2026
Pencil, archival ink and gold leaf on paper

Unframed: 25 × 30 cm
Framed: 40x 50 cm

Haven explores the profound comfort of belonging and the sanctuary found within trusted companionship. Two herons rest in close embrace, their forms intertwined in a gesture that speaks not of dependence, but of mutual refuge. In a world defined by movement, uncertainty, and change, the work captures a rare moment of stillness—a place where vigilance can soften into trust.

Created with pencil and archival ink pen on canvas sheet, the work is composed through thousands of meticulously rendered marks. The intricate layering of feathers creates a rich tapestry of texture and form, revealing both the strength and delicacy inherent within the natural world. The close framing draws the viewer into an intimate space, allowing every detail to contribute to the emotional resonance of the composition.

The gold leaf element introduces a symbolic dimension to the work. Positioned behind the birds like a luminous halo, it elevates a fleeting natural moment into something timeless and contemplative. Gold has long been associated with permanence, reverence, and illumination. Here it symbolises the enduring nature of connection and the sacred spaces we create through love, trust, and companionship.

At its heart, Haven examines the duality between vulnerability and security. The birds lower their guards in one another's presence, demonstrating that true strength often lies not in isolation, but in the confidence to seek and offer comfort. Their intertwined forms suggest a quiet understanding—an unspoken recognition that shelter is not always a place, but sometimes another living soul.

Through Haven, Julie Baum invites viewers to reflect upon the relationships that provide refuge throughout their lives. The work celebrates the profound human need for belonging and the quiet reassurance that comes from knowing we do not face the world alone.