Tag: nature

27 Apr

Resonant Ideas

Illustrations and designs are 'resonant' when they reflect a sublime order or understanding of nature and the cosmos which resonates with the observer.  Aspects of colour and tone can have similar effects as music or poetry, connecting human thoughts and emotions, which artists have explored to understand the human condition and history.

Art which connect ideas

Image of cross with circle pattern connects spirituality of religion. The light behind, appearing as a glimpse, represents spiritual illumination in this setting. Photographic observation connects resonance of meaning.

Tulip Sunset Silhouette

Flower silhouette resonates with Celtic cross image by way of its shape (circular with stem) and its background of sunset.  The Celtic circle is likely representing life from sun, as does the flower form which 'resonates'. People feel a poetic resonance in sunsets.

My plant photography is drawn towards shapes reflecting aspects of the cosmos, such as stars or spirals, a resonance with universal nature.

Artists and Resonance

"Peace and Plenty and domestic happiness is the source of sublime art'"   ~ William Blake

 

William Blake was concerned with resonance; showing meaning through his poetry, illustrations and paintings. Two aspects of Blake's concern - 'heaven and hell' - family happy lightness vs mankind's struggle.

'Teach These Souls to Fly' - A mother guides her baby to fly in lightness and happy colours.

'Second book of Urizen' - Blake's mythical figure Urizen from a series of related works, is always depicted as being part of the struggle of humanity, controlling, forcing things, working against harmony. In this painting he has a red orb which may signify the world on fire with wars, as Blake lived through the French Revolution and free America. More on Blake 

The Value of Vision - Art for the people or as artist self indulgence

Popular, commercially viable art has to be valued by the majority of people. Most people want to see 'pleasant' 'nice', 'pretty' representations of the world, which is why nature photography is perennially popular; because nature always shows balance of design.  People also recognise emotional stories they can empathise with, so artists who can show this are respected.

Nature images please us by reminder of the natural world or of abstract ideas which portray a vision: then we might say by comparison that art which does not have an inspiration from 'beautiful vision' lacks a philosophy which might be important to communicate - and ultimately to enhance society in any era.

Art is made when the artist wishes to resonate with a perception he has.  We can ask if there can be a point at which such expression has little or no quality to resonate with viewers:  whether it is a 'good' or 'uplifting' visual experience, or mere subjective self indulgence. Art Nouveau, Pre Raphaelites, Romanticism and Impressionism depict uplifting images and scenes.   Surrealism and some Abstract Expressionist painting expressed 'angst'. [Ernst war, Kooning women]

All art is a synthetic representation of life experience, as seen or felt by the artist.  However, if we hold that art with a powerful resonance to move people inspirationally is beneficial to society, then we can suggest that 'Synthetic' art may be considered as having been made with no real 'vision' to resonate inspiringly with others.

With some art the meaning becomes confused, obfuscated or meaningless; nowadays seen in 'synthetic' art. [link]  Postmodernism has had a strange influence on art which has come to light in exhibitions and public sculpture, where it has become more concerned with political agendas and nihilism.  In an era where we do not experience war first hand, people seem to invent their own persecutions as victims.

13 Jul

Torus Seeds Design

Amelia Hoskins / Designs / / 0 Comments

TORUS AND SEEDS - Current focus 2023-24 .  Torus represents the energy centred on living things, and by which flowers and seeds develop.  This theme is under exploration with more in development.  It started from some trials with Celtic Knot designs. See my Painting site.

TORUS SEEDS - Geometry of life: large seed heads top and bottom are Salsify and Nigella Sativa. Board Size 31 inches x 29.5 inches. Painted in emulsion and acrylic colour mixes on marine plywood. Price on application.

This painting went through several transformations, as I developed the colours and image placements.  Original early stage showed Celtic designed ovals completed on both sides, with contrasting orange/blue backgrounds behind.  Focus changed to lighten the centre and push back the Celtic ovals, to replace with firstly a twisted rope vortex, then finally replaced with an inter-plaited Tree of Life.  Life force is represented by the flame at the centre of the tree.  As a large board I was able to add many details.

Design planning gradually changed the overall impact of the painting; actually losing some of the original idea, whilst formulating a new vision.  Some of the smaller extracts from the scene can give new inspiration for other less complicated paintings.  [Painting is unvarnished as at 1.7.24, which will deepen the colours - to be reposted]

2nd colour version

After lightening the vortex centre background, it occurred to me the full Celtic ovals with animals was too much, and needed fading into the surroundings more; this was the start of the vortex design changes.  However, by removing the clear 'plume' shapes which flow upwards out of the vortex, I have reduced them to mere decoration at top and bottom of the final version painting: the symbolism is still there, but not so clearly emanating from the vortex.  They should maybe regained somewhat  [thought July 2024]

Photographs can be purchased in full size resolution and up to 55 inches wide. Please enquire amelia-jane-hoskins@protonmail.com (To be marketed in future when paper/material decided). Mural commissions taken for any image, or adaptation thereof.