Oil and Silver on Canvas
75 x 110 x 4 cm
2022
 
From the "Himmelsfunken: Keine irdische Macht" (Messages from Heaven - No Earthly Power) series. 
 
In this series, I am exploring the concept of armour. Specifically, what we choose as armour in a contemporary setting against a backdrop of historical techniques and interpretations. What are the advantages of armour - what is our armour and why do we need it? Each piece in the series exudes power, strength and lightness intended to embolden and fortify.
 
The pieces in this series vary in technique including a highly secretive, 17th century scagliola marble making technique, in which marble dust, animal glue and pigments are mixed to create the marbling effect. Scagliola is found in most churches and buildings built until the modern age. I am drawn to the technique as an addition to resin (which gives a beautiful high gloss) as I particularly enjoy working with natural materials, as well as the satin-matte finish and feel of real stone. 
 
Inspired by "Himmelsfunken", text by Johann Peter Silbert/music by Franz Peter Schubert 1819
Messages from heaven
Language: English  after the German (Deutsch) 
 
The breath of God blows gently,
and silently, longing awakens;
the intoxicated heart faints
in wonderfully sweet agony.
 
How it dissolves in the mild air -
the heavy bonds of earthly life!
Sacred tears flow,
alas! for that heavenly land.
 
How powerfully does the heart lift itself
toward those blue heights!
But alas! why, with such sweet pain,
does it so tenderly faint? -
 
O sweet bliss!
Mildly, like the dew of heaven,
does God's solemn greeting beckon
from high in the still blue!
 
And the orphaned heart
hears the quiet call,
and longs to return home
to the Father who created it!