I am fascinated by the growth that can come from uncertainty, the combination of the figures and flowers that evolved in this series seemed to be a natural progression.
“The lotus flower is a reminder of the beauty that comes from change, the magic that a new beginning brings, and the seed of potential that’s buried in the most unlikely places.” – Jennifer Williamson
My artistic explorations over the last few years led me to the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi. It is the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. We are reminded of this in nature which has been the main influence in this series of artworks.
To me, Wabi-Sabi reflects the art of living, it helps me to be more present and let go of the need to have complete control- which is always an illusion. The figures show strength, hope, vulnerability and with the use of colour, expression and composition act as reminders, allowing us to reflect and take from it what we need.
The washi paper I used for this series are made with a traditional nurturing approach to the environment and is produced by the Fujimori family in Tokushima, Japan. I love that there is a further connection to Japan through the process and that the paper incredibly strong but thin and almost translucent, I love contrasts.
The handmade process of lino printing leads to small imperfections which add beauty and individuality to each print in an edition and is something I love. I also deliberately leave ‘chatter’ which are the marks in the negative space that reveal the process of carving, showing evidence of the artist's hand and the beauty of the imperfection.
A flower’s appeal is in its contradictions — so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect. – Terri Guillemets