New Silver Birch Painting (Yes, I said painting!)
Winter Magic…
I'm so delighted to finally share a special mixed media piece I've been working on for months (on and off!). This silver birch painting has been sitting in my creative mind for much longer and to see it finally complete is such a joy (and a surprise as I didn’t think I’d ever manage it!). And yes… I said painting! This piece is a mixed media piece, where I began by painting the serene background before adding the forest with layers of luscious textiles..
'Into The Woods' is inspired by our magical winter days and the beautiful wildlife that appears during this season. (I love winter!) A soft pink and blue painted background (yes, painted) and layer upon layer of texture, including flaky silver birch barks and an abundance of mossy textile foliage. So much to explore in this piece and so many creative processes involved. I’ve walked through many a birch wood and I’m always completely mesmerised by their stunning beauty and the serene, peaceful feeling they radiate in the quiet of nature.
Step inside…
A couple of close up shots, including my lovely little friends….
I’ve created many silver birch wood pieces but I wanted to ramp up the scale this time and really create impact. I’ve also gone bigger than ever on textures. The combination of mediums just give this piece such life and warmth and the months of work really were worth it. I loved switching between painting, stitching (hand and machine!) and creating foliage by hand - rather like cake mixture! It certainly gave me a creative workout and it felt good to discover new techniques.
A few progress pics here, showing the various textures involved. Wool, beads, fabric and even a banksia seed from Australia which I crushed to create twigs amongst the foliage. (see below)
The entire piece was created using rescued fabrics and textiles. A completely upcycled piece - most satisfying to turn what would have gone to waste, into art.
At 170 x 90 cms this is definitely the most ambitious piece I have ever created in terms of size. It had to be created in three pieces to make it a tad more manageable! It’s actually bigger than me!!
I’ve really enjoyed having a big ongoing project in the background (in secret!), without the pressure of a completion date or an exhibition. It almost felt like a guilty pleasure!
This is now on display at my studio in Alma Yard in Plymouth, if you’d like to see it in the flesh. It’s a one off original (no prints I’m afraid).
You can also find out more details about it on my website. (Link here)
Here’s the finished article. I have to say I am delighted with how it’s turned out and hopefully there is a fellow lover of winter and nature who will give it a forever home one day. For now, I have a cheeky woodpecker and a gentle red deer for company every day :)
