(92) Melinda Rodnight – Comfrey/Symphytum
(1017) Erica Forsman – Swanflower
About this Artwork
Price: $350 AUD
Comfrey is a perennial herb, dating back over 2,000 years. It’s scientific genus is Symphytum; loosely translated it means ‘to unite’ or ‘grow together’, indicating the usefulness of this herb in treating injuries. Throughout time it has also been called Knit bone, Boneset, Knit back, Bruise wort, and Slippery Root, amongst others.
I am inspired by Goethean observation and sense perception; perception that integrates self-reflective and critical thought, imagination, and careful, detailed observation of the phenomena. Through this approach, the organism teaches me about itself, revealing its characteristics and its interconnectedness with the world that sustains it. I investigate the whole organism as part of the larger experience of life. By creating stories of plants and animals, we open up a new understanding of our fellow creatures as dynamic and integrated beings. Enhancing my sense of responsibility, I allowed the plant to reveal something of its true nature to me.
About Melinda
For a number of years, I have been exploring the physicality of shape in my work, as well as the relational presence of light and shadow and how I am drawn to a form because of its physical manifestation. I am intrigued by natural and organic forms and exploring and building on the sensory experience and evocative recollection of these shapes and forms, and the responses that they give rise to.
In my studio, these explorations reveal themselves, dynamically, through my art making process. Through the held memory they come to life again in a new form. It is only by finding ways of transforming our propensity to reduce the world to parts and mechanisms, will we be able to see, value, and protect the integrity of nature and the interconnectedness of all things. This demands a new way of seeing. An interchange of experience, memory and creative reply becomes a dance, a call and response, a reciprocity of perception.
Link to Melinda’s Art Aviso profile HERE
Melinda was supplied with the following page from Newnes’ Pictorial Knowledge Encyclopedia:
Volume 9
On things that interest you and me
Hidden Beauties in Weeds
About this Artwork
Price: $420 AUD
I love the page that was sent to me, it felt like it was just meant to be. I have several books that show the magic world by Karl Blossfeldt. Art and nature are so connected and he manifest this relation beautifully with his photos.
We are in the middle of truly challenging times where we all have to find strength to cope with everything that is happening. We must face this transformation with more love and trust than ever before.
I give you the swan and the power of stitches as a symbol of hope that this transformation will lead to a brighter and more loving world.
I want my artwork to remind us to embrace the love and trust we have in our lives, both to ourselves and to each other. We need to unite and slow down so we can see the details. Because what you see at first glance, is not always what you think it is.
About Erica
As an artist I want to invite you to embrace the imperfect.
The core values that permeate everything I create are; Passion, Sustainability and Imperfection.
Passion; I have a passion for exploring and mixing all kinds of different techniques and at the moment I work a lot with cyanotype and suminagashi together with embroidery. Happiness for me is to lose control over the first part of the process and see where the work is taking me.
Sustainability; We all have to work for a better world and as an artist I belive that it is my job to create with existing resources. The old papper, fabric or photos I use in my work has a story and a soul that I want to transfer to something new.
Imperfection; The japanese philosophy and aesthetics Wabi-sabi is the foundation of my life and my art. Wabi-sabi is a contrast to the ideal of perfection, it is about simplicity and seeing the beauty of the imperfect. For me in my creative process, it’s about being present, valuing mistakes and taking time to appreciate the small moments of success. With my art I want to break the perfect that has been haunting me through life and show you my beauty of the imperfect.
Link to Erica’s Art Aviso profile HERE
Erica was provided with the following page from Newnes’ Pictorial Knowledge Encyclopedia:
Volume 9
On things that interest you and me.
Hidden Beauties in Weeds.