Lilies
48 x 48 x 1.5 in (122 x 122 x 4 cm)
SOLD
Location: Australia
Having dedicated more than two decades to the art of sculpting and painting flowers, my latest series of flower paintings holds a special place in my creative journey. Each piece in this collection is a tribute to memory and a celebration of the natural world's breathtaking beauty.
My inspiration for these paintings draws from a profound connection to nature and a cherished memory from many years ago. I once created a sculpture garden that I opened to the public a few times a year. Among the array of blooms, lilies stood out, captivating me with their majestic presence that emerges from a seemingly dormant bulb. This quiet transformation resonated deeply with me, symbolising the cycles of life and the potential for beauty to emerge from the simplest beginnings.
"Lily" encapsulates the essence of this remarkable flower. Through layers of vibrant pigment and dynamic brushstrokes, I've sought to capture the lily's regal stature and delicate intricacies. As I applied each stroke, I channeled my admiration for the flower's ability to rise from the ground and bloom in all its glory.
Recently, my work has been described as a transition—a reshaping of my artistic vision from sculptural forms to the canvas. This transition holds a significance beyond technique; it's an exploration of new expressions and a continuation of my pursuit of beauty in various mediums. Drawing inspiration from the post-impressionist movement and the fine art tradition, I've endeavoured to convey the profound search for beauty that unites humanity.
With "Lily," I invite viewers to join me on a journey through colour and form, to witness the transformation of inspiration into art. This painting encapsulates the spirit of a flower that has captivated me for years, evoking a sense of wonder and an appreciation for the exquisite world we inhabit.
Stephanie at the exhibition Private View of Elysium Verto - Paradise is Changing 2018, Los Angeles, CA.
DESCRIPTION/NOTES
Most of my 35 year oeuvre has talked about nature morte often through flowers, whether sculpted or painted. The longer you look the more you will see.
These new flower paintings, not unlike Bacon, are almost figurative pieces, the flower represented in its singularity as having a personality. When Van Gogh painted his flowers he was said to be painting at the manic rate of around three paintings a day, in all states of blossoming and wilting, on the edge of death, grasping onto the preciousness of life. The way these two artists see the world comes out in this same kind of paradox, this obsession with life and death fuels them to master their craft. For Burns these flowers have a life beyond a pleasing decorative object, but a part of this ecosystem, and more like something fundamental to our planet. That is both fragile, necessary and constantly changing." Laurence Fuller, Elysium Verto - Paradise is Changing. Exhibition catalogue, 2018.