The Seed and the Flame

The Seed and the Flame invites viewers into a moment of quiet yet profound significance. At first glance, it portrays a lion reclining on dusty earth, idly pawing at the soil. The pose exudes the lazy, assumed authority of a “King of Beasts,” its actions seemingly absent-minded. Yet, this instinctual motion prepares the ground for something far greater—a creation the lion itself may not fully comprehend.

The lion wears a golden headpiece shaped like an owl, connecting it to an earlier painting, Everyday Miracles. In the world of Otherwurlde, owls are guardians of balance, ensuring harmony. So the lion, adorned with this symbol and pewter wristbands embossed with acorn motifs, emerges as a keeper of balance within its realm.

Immerse Yourself in the World of The Seed and the Flame…

Enter the hedgehog: trembling yet resolute, it approaches the lion bearing two gifts. The first is an acorn, resting in a golden bowl atop oak leaves. The second, a balloon tied with a delicate ribbon, contains a blue Promethean flame that casts a soft, ethereal glow over the lion and the earth. The hedgehog, clad in armour embossed with oak-leaf patterns and crowned with a golden circlet, embodies courage. Its act of bravery mirrors the universal challenge of bringing change into a world dominated by overwhelming forces.

Narrative Symbolism in The Seed and the Flame...

The acorn symbolises humble beginnings with the potential for greatness, echoing timeless cultural themes like the mustard seed or… the mighty oak grown from a single seed! The flame represents insight and wisdom, a guiding force that transforms raw power into purposeful action. Together, these gifts unite strength and foresight, laying the foundation for something eternal.

The lion and the hedgehog become co-creators of a legacy. The lion’s claws instinctively prepare the soil; the hedgehog’s offerings provide vision. Their collaboration ensures the growth of an oak that will stand long after they are gone—a living symbol of balance, where power and wisdom, instinct and intellect, coexist.

Why The Seed and the Flame... is a Collector’s Treasure.

Throughout my journey as an artist, I’ve tried various surfaces & colours… From acrylics on boxed canvas to the refined oils on board I now employ. Each combination wields a distinct influence over the final outcome. Canvas imbues a rustic charm, its weave adding texture. For intricate details, only oil on board suffices, offering subtle nuances and unmatched ability to blend.

Yet, my attention extends beyond the artwork itself; the frames for Original Artworks hold equal significance. Through experience, I’ve learnt how a well-selected frame can elevate a piece, sometimes even reshaping its interpretation. Every choice, from canvas to frame, is a deliberate step towards crafting not just art, but an experience.