'Gold' 2023
Also titled ‘The gift that is you'
 
In this work I have worked solely with gold, to create an intricate, lace like image that is highly detailed yet simple. It took a lot of focus and I drew on the many years of working with gold leaf to be able to create this work but I really wanted to honour the metal, the colour and the layered symbology of gold in the world, and in my life.
 
For millenia gold has represented wealth and luxury but on a more fundamental level, gold represents abundance, security and the opportunity to make choices in life. Also, for many cultures, gold represents wisdom, a connection to the divine and even the gift of being something extraordinarily special. Having gold in your life is experienced as 'being blessed' and just as with all good things, it takes a good polish to get the shine and glow. We, as humans, have the opportunity to shine brighter whilst uncovering hidden talents and gifts, as the saying goes 'let your light shine and you give permission for others to do the same'. 
 
The centre flower motif represents a single day, in which so much can happen, and there are also 365 small flowers representing a year in which big dreams are achieved, mirroring the micro and macro nature of a lived experience. This work is intended to go into a home or office with all the vitality, warmth, love and admiration I could possibly infuse into the artwork. It is the blessing of gold but also a poetic form of encouragement to let your light shine, bright with power, strength and courage, in turn creating beautiful, positive change in the world. Gold is found in the earth's surface, so we must also remember to stay grounded!
 
Created using the artisan technique of hand applying finely beaten metals including Australian 24 karat gold-leaf and various Dutch gold leaf (copper, aluminium, zinc). Original ink design completed using the dip-pen method.