Behind the Art – "Unstoppable"
- Jeremy Faivre
- Sep 28, 2024
- 3 min read
I’m excited to share one of my favorite pieces, Unstoppable, a 16" by 20" oil pastel artwork on canvas panel. This artwork is incredibly personal to me and is deeply rooted in themes of resilience, strength, and the spirit of pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
The Inspiration Behind Unstoppable
Unstoppable draws much of its inspiration from the darker moments we all face in life—the times when we are challenged to our core, yet somehow manage to find an inner strength we didn’t know existed. This resilience is the heart of the piece.
At its center is the figure of a horse, captured mid-rear, preparing to surge forward with immense power and determination. The horse, a symbol of freedom, strength, and raw emotion, is depicted just before it gallops toward an unseen conflict. Its body language represents that moment right before action—tense, powerful, and brimming with unstoppable energy. In life, we often find ourselves on the brink of a struggle, but like the horse, we know we must charge ahead with everything we’ve got.
The Influence of Music: Undefeatable from Sonic Frontiers
Music often plays a significant role in my creative process, and for Unstoppable, the song Undefeatable from the video game Sonic Frontiers served as a major influence. This song is charged with an energy that feels both triumphant and defiant, echoing the very emotions I wanted to convey in this piece. The track pulses with heavy metal adrenaline, embodying a relentless drive to overcome all odds. It reminded me of the rush we feel when facing a challenge head-on, which became the driving force behind the horse’s stance in my work.
Just like the song, the artwork portrays a sense of resistance met with strength. The horse, poised in defiance, is a visual manifestation of that fighting spirit—a creature on the verge of battle, but prepared to emerge victorious.
Here’s a link if you’d like to give the song a listen:
The Art Process
Working with oil pastels allowed me to create rich, textured layers that emphasize the motion and energy of the horse. The scenic background is intentionally abstract, with smudges of dark and light tones blending together to reflect the chaos and conflict of life’s battles. The horse stands out with bold strokes, its muscles and mane detailed to reflect power and movement.
I wanted the viewer to feel the tension in the air, the moment of stillness before a surge of energy. Every brushstroke was a meditation on how we channel our inner strength in moments of uncertainty.
A Reflection on Resilience
More than just a representation of strength, Unstoppable is a reminder that resilience is often forged in our darkest moments. It’s in those times when we feel like retreating that we discover we have the power to push forward. Like the horse in the painting, we might feel the weight of the challenges before us, but we are always capable of moving ahead with courage and conviction.
This artwork is not just about conflict; it’s about the inevitability of victory that comes when we refuse to give in. No matter how fierce the battle, the horse symbolizes the drive within all of us to overcome.
Final Thoughts
Unstoppable holds a special place in my heart because it reflects both a personal journey and a universal truth. Whether you see yourself in the horse or simply feel the energy it radiates, my hope is that this piece inspires you to confront your own challenges with resilience. Like the song Undefeatable reminds us, we all have the power to rise above and emerge stronger, no matter what lies ahead.
Feel free to share your thoughts on Unstoppable in the comments below—what does it inspire in you? I’d love to hear how you connect with this piece!
As of writing, the original Unstoppable artwork is currently available to purchase. Printed reproductions are also available as well! Here’s the link to the online listing page:
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