One Word

Two years ago, it happened quite by accident, like things falling on your head when you open an overfilled cupboard door, imagery and ideas bombarded me when I read the instructions on a tea package.  The word “unfurl” jumped off the page, accosted me and since that fateful day, it has become my companion.

Instructions on package of tea

I’ve never encountered another word that is shaping me, and hence, impacting my life as much as this word. It is often in the forefront of my mind, urging me to grow stronger and explore places in art that I haven’t tried yet.  “Unfurl” is a beautiful word and I picture a fern unfurling, brave enough to leave the comfort zone of being safely curled up and protected, opening itself to exploring the outside world and ideas.

This is part of my journey with the word “unfurl”.

Exploring the unfurling concept

developing the unfurling idea

Initial drawings

First pencil drawing.  I turned some of the splattered paint into bubbles

I did this painting on coloured paper, with more splattering.  I painted the steam fairies with watercolour paint mixed with watercolour pigmented ink.

This painting is painted on a watery ink wash.  The cups and steam fairies are painted with ink, an Artline pen is used for the word “unfurl” and the furled ferns are drawn in pencil.

….and I’ve done many more “unfurl” paintings which I will write about in the next few posts.  This is the beginning of my journey.

Has a word influenced your life or art?  Thank you in advance for your comments, stories and feedback.

Happy Easter and thanks for visiting.

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