Lilium
48 x 48 x 1.5 in (122 x 122 x 4 cm)
SOLD
Location: Australia
In "Lilium," I've captured a deeply emotional moment that holds a special place in my heart. The painting is a reflection of a pink lily, left by the side of my dear aunt's grave. This delicate flower, without a name tag, became a symbol of her enduring presence as we gathered to celebrate her life.
The soft pink tones of the lily evoke a sense of both fragility and beauty, mirroring the intricate tapestry of life and memory. Placed beside my aunt's resting place, the lily takes on a profound significance, transcending the boundary between the physical and the spiritual.
The absence of a name tag on the flower adds an element of mystery, suggesting that my aunt's spirit watches over us, offering comfort and reassurance. The act of placing the lily with care and reverence speaks to the love and respect we continue to hold for her.
Set against a backdrop that blends the earthly and the ethereal, "Lilium" invites contemplation. It's a portrayal of the emotions that surround farewells and the way memories persist, undiminished by time. As I painted this scene, I channeled my emotions into each brushstroke, capturing the essence of the moment.
"Lilium" is not just a painting; it's a personal tribute. It's a reminder of the connections that endure beyond physical presence and the importance of commemorating a life that touched so many. This artwork allows me to share a piece of my own journey, expressing the emotions and memories that continue to resonate within me.
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.