Instinct Is Enough
Instinct Is Enough
48”x32” - Oil on stretched canvas
In this work, Frizzell captures a tense yet symbolic encounter between a woman and a pack of wolves, set against a stark, dark background that amplifies the drama. The woman, poised with quiet strength, faces the snarling leader of the pack, extending one hand to offer her scent—a gesture of vulnerability and trust—while holding a wolf mask in the other, suggesting a duality of identity or connection to the wild.
This painting speaks to Frizzell’s recurring themes of identity, in-betweenness, and the primal forces that shape us. The woman’s confrontation with the wolves symbolizes a reckoning with one’s inner nature—her outstretched hand an attempt to bridge the divide between the civilized self and the untamed. The wolf mask she holds hints at a hidden or suppressed wildness, perhaps reflecting Frizzell’s own exploration of his place between the worlds he resides in, or the universal struggle to reconcile societal expectations with raw instinct. The snarling leader, backed by the pack, embodies both threat and allure, inviting viewers to question whether this is a moment of danger or communion. With his signature blend of realistic detail and emotional depth, Frizzell invites us to reflect on our own dualities, the masks we wear, and the courage it takes to face our true selves in the wildness of the unknown. This piece is a powerful addition to any collection, offering endless layers of interpretation and emotional resonance.