Blazes & Braids 

Julie Bell's painting "Blazes & Braids" presents two horses in intimate proximity, likely made at an unknown date and medium. Bell, prominent in the fantasy art world, often depicts powerful figures, and here, she brings that sensibility to equine subjects. In a traditionally male-dominated genre, Bell’s work challenges the status quo by bringing a female gaze to representations of strength and beauty. The braided mane of one horse introduces an element of domestication, a softening perhaps, contrasting with the raw energy typically associated with these animals. This subtle detail complicates conventional narratives around power and femininity. Bell stated she wants to paint ‘women as strong and beautiful’. Consider how these aspirations manifest in her broader body of work, which imagines a world where women are not only capable but commanding. "Blazes & Braids" invites us to reflect on how we project human qualities onto animals and the stories we tell about ourselves through them.