art and experiences
for stillness
Astreya is a private fine art gallery and breathwork studio located at 4502 Cass Street, Suite 106, in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego. Currently showing stop/motion: a limited-edition series of nine fine art photographs taken by artist Alicia L. Swift of the Drake Passage, the remote stretch of ocean between South America and Antarctica. The prints are impressionistic and modern - made to be looked at day after day, and discover something new each time.
Alongside the collection, Astreya offers Stillness Sessions: private one-hour breathwork and meditation experiences held inside the gallery, led by certified facilitator & artist, Alicia L. Swift.
astreya: where art gallery meets breathwork studio
astreya: where art gallery meets breathwork studio
experience stop/motion through saturday june 6:
reserve your private viewing appointment or Stillness Session today.
Experience Stop/motion:
reserve your viewing appointment or Stillness Session today.
I am interested in how attention shapes experience, which drives my art and also the ethos of the Astreya gallery.
My work explores moments of stillness: light falling across a surface, the texture of water, the quiet presence of objects in space. Through photography, writing, and sound, I study how perception shifts when we slow down long enough to notice.
The act of creation is central to my practice. I work slowly and deliberately, allowing form, material, and environment to guide each piece, rather than imposing a predetermined outcome. The resulting images are not meant to instruct or persuade, but to be encountered - inviting the viewer into a shared moment of presence across time and distance.
This practice resists the pressure toward speed, perfection, and polish. By honoring process, the work creates space for reflection, intimacy, and a quieter way of being with the world.
My practice explores perception through moments that invite stillness: light falling across a surface, the texture of water, the quiet presence of objects in space.
Working primarily through photography, writing, and sound, my process is central to my work. Each piece is made slowly and deliberately, allowing form, material, and environment to guide each piece. My work offers a counterpoint to the speed and perfection of modern life, and instead invites reflection, intimacy, and a quieter way of being.
About the artist
alicia l. swift, PhD
For portfolio inquiries, collaborations, pricing, or press, please reach out - or learn more on my personal website.
For portfolio inquiries, press, collaborations, pricing, please reach out - or learn more on my portfolio website.
stop/motion
the current collection
A limited-edition series of digital photographs, stop/motion consists of nine images of the infamous Drake Passage. Dividing South America from Antarctica, this stretch of ocean is notoriously rough, empty, and silent. Other than the other passengers on the ship, I was completely alone with 12 foot waves, fearless seabirds, and my thoughts.
stop/motion explores the concept of time by studying a single moment: sunset. Viewers are led to consider the shifting moods of the ocean, the vastness of our planet, and the essence of water.
Archival museum-grade prints range in size from 12x16 to 24x36; and are signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Frames are available when bought in-person at the Astreya gallery.
Art, like breathwork, is known to quiet the mind, heal the body, and feed the soul. When art meets breath, the effects are multiplied - which is why we created Stillness Sessions: a private guided breath and meditation experience in the Astreya gallery. This is art, reimagined.
the art of the exhale
a private wellness experience
1-hour sessions ·$150
1-hour sessions · $150
Let's Connect
For Astreya viewing appointments, please click here. For portfolio inquiries, collaborations, press, or general assistance, simply fill out the form below and we will respond as soon as we can.