Protea: A Celebration of Colour, Beauty and Joy
The Protea has a wonderful personality. It's unusual shape, strong presence and beautiful layers immediately captured my imagination and inspired me to create this colourful collection, a feeling of warmth, energy and joy.
The Fascinating History of The Protea
Named after the Greek god Proteus, who could change his form at will, the Protea flower truly embodies diversity and cultural harmony. Its ancient lineage dates back approximately 300 million years to Gondwana, associating it with longevity and courage. This makes it an ideal gift for special occasions like birthdays and Mother's Day, representing enduring strength and beauty.
The "king of flowers" in New Zealand
With its stunning, large, and beautifully shaped flowers, the Protea is often referred to as the "king of flowers." While it is the national flower of South Africa, its beauty is equally cherished here in New Zealand. It symbolises change and hope, reflecting life's unforgettable moments, and its presence adds a touch of exotic elegance to our local flora.
From Flower to Artwork
For me, painting begins with inspiration.
I may start with a flower, a colour palette or an image that catches my attention, but once I begin painting on silk, the artwork takes on a life of its own.
The Protea became the starting point for this design, while the surrounding colours and shapes allowed me to explore my imagination more freely.
I love the way silk allows colours to flow and blend. The white lines created by the resist give each area its own character, while the transparency of the silk brings a beautiful luminosity to the finished work.
