Tag: symbolism

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.

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]

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]