A Whisp of Mint and Memories: Unveiling My New Collection
Paintings clockwise from top: Coffee Tea Me, Praline, Two For Mint Tea, Lemon
Mint & Memories
My current muse? A chocolate peppermint plant on my kitchen windowsill. Its sweet scent, reminiscent of After Eight Mints, has sparked a new collection of paintings – the Mint Collection – a deeply personal exploration of sentimental objects and the stories they hold. The first paintings in the collection launch this month and are an invitation into my world, a glimpse into the significance of everyday items, and a celebration of memories.
From Seed to Studio: The Inspiration
It started with a cutting from a friend's garden, placed in a pot that once held anemone bulbs. The plant's delicate form and fresh colour captivated me. I noted its growth daily, marvelling at how such long, delicate stems could defy gravity and stay elevated off the counter, never touching down. This collection has been brewing since last summer, a slow percolation of ideas, much like the perfect cup of mint tea, until the rich flavours of inspiration finally came together.
A Story in Objects: The Heart of the Collection
This collection is a heartfelt exploration of the sentimental value placed on objects. It's a journey into the stories behind my work, home, and play, featuring cherished items connected to family and friends. Imagine a studio space that feels like an extension of home, where these significant objects are arranged within spacious compositions, embodying a sense of flow, a lightness of touch and clarity of thought.
Personal Touches: Sparkle and Sentiment
As the collection evolves, personal details intertwine with the mint motif. Teacups gathered on travels, including a special one belonging to my grandmother, share space with another element – five gold rings, a seasonal and personal touch. This collection is about making art personal, whether creating or experiencing it. It's about telling the stories we've lived, and for me, these rings symbolise a significant milestone: my 20th wedding anniversary. They represent the overwhelming joy of that day, the trembling legs, the piper's music, and the champagne I barely tasted. These rings, modelled on my own with a touch of artistic license, add sparkle and intrigue to the painted tablescapes, inviting you to explore the surface textures and discover hidden details.
An Invitation to Play: A Sensory Experience
Close your eyes. Imagine the whisp of dark chocolate aroma, followed by the cleansing scent of fresh mint. Picture a chocolate peppermint plant trailing across a table in the warm glow of late afternoon. The timber floor is warm beneath your feet. Before you, the table is set with familiar objects, each holding unique meaning. Some remind you of loved ones, others are cherished for their tactile beauty. Some are so precious that sharing them feels vulnerable, an invitation to connect on a deeper level.
Quietly Setting the Table and Two for Mint Tea
Now, open your eyes. What do you see?
This is the story I'm painting. The mint plant was a gift from a friend. My grandmother's teacup, too precious to use, is now a symbol of spring and family. The rings on my fingers are a nod to love and my inner magpie. Each painting in the Mint Collection captures a chapter of this story, a personal narrative unfolding with each mark and brushstroke. They are elegant compositions with a velvety blend of soft pastels, moody washes of inky blues, deep charcoals, and a sumptuous, chalky matte finish.
Discover the Details
The Mint Collection is more than just a series of paintings; it's a journey into memory, sentiment, and the stories we tell through the objects we hold dear. I invite you to join me on this journey to explore the textures, discover the hidden details, and connect with the personal narratives woven into each piece. Stay tuned as the collection evolves!
Would you like to see the collection?
Hop over to my portfolio page and enjoy a closer look. While you are there please sign up to my BRIGHT Newsletter and be the first to know about new collections, events and creative inspiration.
