A Selection of Fine Art
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One of a series of four embroidered wall hangings, inspired by the Celtic theme of Earth, Wind, Fire, Water. Presented here is Lorina's interpretation of Earth, embroidered on a wool/silk ground with gold bullion threads, silks and fresh water pearls.
The artistic philosophy of the piece is taken from the Persian concept of the Tree of Life, which was carried through Northern Europe and eventually taken up by the Celts and the Norse (who know the tree as Ygdraggsil). The design influence for the tree harks to many of the trees found in the marginalia of the Bayeaux Tapestry.
The green wool/silk ground was chosen to represent the colour of the Earth in its fullness, the textiles for their enduring quality which echoes the longevity of the planet. Gold represents the richness of Earth, as the freshwater pearls represent water, for without water Earth is barren.
Dimensions: approximately 16" x 21".
A larger image is available for viewing by clicking on 'More product imformation' below.
One of a series of four embroidered wall hangings, inspired by the Celtic theme of Earth, Wind, Fire, Water. Presented here is Fire, for which the design influence came from the Norse legend of the trickster god Loki, who tricked another god into shooting a magical arrow that felled the god Baldur. In punishment of Loki's crime he was bound in chains, which was infuriating to the free-spirited god. Whenever he pulled against his chains he burst into flames, and hence the face of a man in flame in this design.
In combination with that is the artist's own childhood fantasy of flames being serpents, and the sparks their tongues.
The embroidery is executed on a changeable silk ground, shifting from russet to indigo, thereby emulating flame, with gold bullion and copper threads with both filament and spun silks for their respective reflective and matte qualities, as well as gold bullion paillettes.
One of a series of four embroidered wall hangings, inspired by the Celtic theme of Earth, Wind, Fire, Water. Presented here is Wind, drawn from the Norse legend of Odin's eight-legged horse, Slepnir, that he rode across the sky.
This stylized horse, very much influenced by the Ringerike body of Norse art, is worked on a white linen ground with white filament and spun silks in Van Dyke stitch and satin, and trellis stitch respectively. The areas of satin and Van Dyke are raised work, drawing from the gorgeous medieval body of whitework embroideries. The main body of Slepnir is worked in couched fresh-water pearls, with the eye a filigree 14k jewel, and the nostril of gold bullion paillettes. All techniques have been chosen for the way they emulate cirrus and cumulo-nimbus clouds.
Artist: Lorina Stephens
One of a series of four embroidered wall hangings, inspired by the Celtic theme of Earth, Wind, Fire, Water. Presented here is Water, drawn from the Norse myth of dragons being the source of brooks and streams.
This stylized flightless dragon and fish frothing from its mouth, very much influenced by the Ringerike body of Norse art, is worked on a teal silk charmeuse ground with filament silks, real gold and silver paillettes, gold threads, and natural and coloured freshwater pearls to emulate the colours and reflectivity of water and its denizens.
Pen and ink on D'Arches 140lb hot pressed paper. Unframed. 5" x 7".
by Lorina Stephens
artist: Lorina Stephens
