Koi on Prussian Blue with Gold Collage

The sweeping rush of Koi embodies energy, vitality, prosperity and strength in numbers; tempered with a hint of mystery and darkness. The Koi are set to a background of deep prussian blue with highlights in turquoise and gold. The shimmering golden orbs are reminiscent of light on water at night, heightened by the reflective gloss surface of the canvas. Lily has developed a unique way of working, using her own paintings as collage material on a canvas. The Koi fish are meticulously painted, reproduced, and cut, ready to use on a canvas. The background is painted with acrylics. The use of collage allows the freedom to play with the composition in a way which would otherwise be impossible, allowing quick changes until a design is settled upon. When the Koi collage is fixed in place, washes of ink have been applied. Finally, a glossy varnish enhances color, adds protection, and offers an opulent shine. Nature is common to all of Lily's work, however she would never claim to offer gritty realism. Lily describes it more like focusing on an aspect of its beauty and running with it, seeing where it can be taken. Simplicity is key, which to Lily means creating something which people can hopefully take some pleasure and enjoyment from. Lily's interest in the natural world began from an early age, growing up in rural Cumbria. She creates glorified representations of nature, subject matter initially chosen as a vehicle to play with colour. Her work is also influenced by eighteenth century printmakers such as Hokusai and Hiroshige, with their strong yet never garish colour palettes, and the beautiful patterns employed in Japanese kimono design. Lily is interested in finding out what it takes to create an appealing aesthetic - how to create a 'flow' and an energy. For Lily this involves striking a balance between presence and absence, dark and light, one colour next to another, symmetry and asymmetry, adding and taking away until something is 'right'. Please be aware that this canvas has a high gloss finish, and some surface texture/relief as a result of the layered collage material. The canvas is stretched on a deep edge frame with painted sides, no framing necessary. Ready to hang.