Freedom’s Within Just Set Your Mind Free by British contemporary artist Danny O’Connor is one of five paintings inspired by the artist’s poem on freedom, with each work taking its title from an individual line. A female figure appears with her eyes closed and face gently raised towards a white rose, creating a moment of stillness and contemplation within the otherwise flowing composition.

Behind her head, a large bird in flight merges visually with sweeping, feather-like forms that extend into her hair. Its placement makes the imagery particularly resonant with the title: the bird appears to emerge from the space of the mind itself, offering a visual metaphor for free thought, inner freedom and release. A glowing sun-like form, botanical branches and the prominently held rose extend this connection between the figure and the natural world.

O’Connor contrasts warm gold, red and earthy tones with an expansive pale blue background, while diagonal lines introduce movement across the composition. The combination of female portraiture, bird imagery, floral symbolism and expressive abstraction transforms the poem’s final line into an image of freedom found internally rather than granted from outside.

Freedom’s Within Just Set Your Mind Free is an original, one-of-one large-format mixed media painting on canvas, 122 × 152 cm, available through Eclectic Gallery, Fitzrovia, London. To enquire or arrange a private viewing, contact the gallery.

The Poem Behind the Paintings

This work is one of five paintings inspired by a poem written by Danny O’Connor, with each painting taking its title from an individual line:

Freedom’s the flower that grows from the tiniest seed

That deep-rooted sense you don’t want to leave

Unrestrained to think and feel

It’s the birds soaring high as they fly from the tree

Freedom’s within, just set your mind free.