The process of shedding the old to reveal something new—like a snake shedding its skin—mirrors the inner journey of overcoming resistance. Ecdysis is born from textures and feminine transformation during The Year of the Snake 2025.
Ecdysis reflects shedding the old to reveal the new—like a snake shedding its skin. As in this Year of the Snake 2025, it weaves repurposed scraps into a serpent winding around a cherished frame from my mother. A bra mimics scales, symbolizing the feminine. Ouroboros marks renewal—fear released, transformation embraced.
Artist Statement:
The process of shedding the old to reveal something new—like a snake shedding its skin—mirrors the inner journey of overcoming resistance. Ecdysis is born from this transformation.
As we move through the Year of the Snake in 2025, the first layer to shed is fear. This is the foundation of my piece. I have repurposed scraps, recycled textiles, and materials to form a winding serpent along the gilded frame of a picture left to me by my mother—an object I have carried with me for years. This act of reclamation and reinvention reflects the nature of personal evolution.
A bra, chosen for its color and texture resembling snake scales, serves as a symbol of the feminine within the piece. Layers of schnibbles—scraps of leftover fabrics and papers—peel and reveal, creating rich textures of transformation. The word Ouroboros is placed near the snake’s tail, signifying the completion of the shedding process and where I find myself today: after years of releasing past patterns, habits, and, most of all, fear, I am ready to emerge fully as my true self. The serpent consuming its tail represents renewal—the endless cycle of destruction and rebirth.
My poem, Serpents Grace, was inspired by a dream of a snake rising from a drain—a potent symbol of emergence, subconscious awakening, and the release of suppressed fears.
My journey with the serpent archetype has been deeply personal, reinforced by my dream of a snake rising from a drain. The dream and subsequent research revealed themes of hidden fears, personal transformation, and the necessity of shedding the past to move forward. The snake—my spirit animal—signifies adaptability, resilience, and the power of renewal. Through Ecdysis, I embrace this metamorphosis, stepping into my power with clarity, purpose, and a fearless heart.
This piece stands as a testament to transformation and empowerment—an invitation to embrace change, release fear, and honor the cycles of renewal that shape us.
Ecdysis Mixed Media Artwork
- This is a one-of-a-kind, deeply personal textile and mixed media piece.
- The materials used—a meaningful gilded frame, repurposed textiles, and intricate hand-applied elements—add value.
- The symbolism and layered textures make it both visually compelling and conceptually rich.
- Labor & artistry: Given the time, skill, and depth of storytelling involved, this price reflects the value appropriately.
Serpents Grace
By Shelley Novotny 2024
In shadows cast by ancient trees,
A serpent's gaze, a mystic's tease,
She wears the coils of nature's art,
A crown of scales, a wild heart.
Her eyes ablaze with secrets deep,
In serpent's wisdom, she does keep,
A dance of light, a twist of fate,
In a timeless realm where dreams await.
With every move, a silent hiss,
A serpent's grace, a gentle kiss,
She binds the earth, the sky, the sea,
A goddess born, untamed and free.
In moonlight whispers, echoes wend,
Her spirit soars, her journey penned,
In serpent's embrace, she finds release,
A woman crowned, in ancient peace.