Botanicals
Though understated, botanical and landscape elements have always been present in my work. The Botanicals series began as both a challenge and a respite from human subject matter and narrative. From 2017 to 2019, the work grew out of monthly visits to the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden—just five minutes from my home—where something is always in bloom, decay, or dormancy. The series expanded to include flowers removed from nature: behind-the-scenes views of the orchid greenhouse at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and ongoing flower vase variations. Read more »
All works in this series are inlaid cut paper. The archival cut papers are usually tinted with acrylic and/or flashe vinyl to expand the stock papers’ limited palette. The paper pieces are scalpel cut, inlaid (forming one layer) and adhered using reversible PVA glue. An isolation coat is applied before the final protective matte UV varnish.
If 'flesh is the reason oil paint was invented' (as deKooning said), cut paper may be best suited for botanicals.
Kirk Fanelly
Print Editions
