Sunday 15 May 2011

IAE weekly creative challenge - signs and symbols in art

This week's IAE challenge was a really interesting one - to create something inspired by the words sacred, ancient and/or symbolic. 
 It made me think about how I use symbols quite a lot in my work, sometimes without really being conscious of it. I do find it fascinating, how we are often drawn repeatedly to certain subjects. I often notice it in other artists' work.

I also came across an article recently about vanitas - a type of painting which uses objects to symbolise the fragility of life. Click on the word if you'd like to read more - it's fascinating stuff!

Anyway, losely based on the above, for my submission I've gone with the idea of using symbols that represent a past love. 
 
I wanted to use some objects that people commonly save as keepsakes - symbols to remind them of a time, person or place. I've included little scraps of a hand-written letter, a stamp from the envelope, a bit of old lace and a button. 
 I've also used some things to suggest the passage of time -  a bit of skeleton leaf, the old paper of the envelopes, a measuring tape. I think that the envelopes themselves work as a symbol of memories too - things sealed away to be opened later!

The heart and rose are of course well known symbols of love, and the key is meant here as a symbol of unlocking memories.
I use butterflies quite a lot in my work; I think I've mentioned before that they are used in many cultures to represent the human soul, and I like that. 

You can see all this week's submissions here - enjoy!

13 comments:

  1. This is sooo you, Angie. And my new favorite piece. No detail overlooked. 6 tiny works of art in one meaningful piece! Love it!!
    xox

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  2. This is wonderful! Full of details, meaning and story as well as being a really pretty piece of art. This is such a clever & thoughtful piece of art for this week's theme. Fab!

    Kat X

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  3. I LOVE this Angie, and you already know how I feel about your butterflies ;) Perfect for this week's challenge!

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  4. Ooh I like this.
    Love the symbols you put together so pretty.

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  5. the paper envelopes are such darlings!! i love this creation Angie! Lisa is right ... it's so you! and i do sense a sense of happy contentment ... i wonder why ... it's like "i am home" ... hmmm...

    this is a great challenge theme ... i'm a little bit miffed i missed it!!

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  6. Wonderful and so well thought out. I have noticed too how certain symbols figure in people's work- I don't think we always realise how we are drawn to particular themes or ideas

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  7. Beautifully done and very thought provoking, Angie!

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  8. Wonderfully inspiring and very beautiful! Thanks for sharing yoru magical world..your work is gorgeous!
    Victoria

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  9. Not just one, but six wonderful examples of symbols of love. I love, love, love this bit of magical mixed media goodness. Simply adorable with thoughts and words to match!

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  10. Angie I think this is SOO lovely. You could almost make them for special personal keepsakes, like a memory board for say a son or daughter with little photos, lock of hair and so on. nicer than those baby books that get shoved in a drawer! Or for a 1st anniversary with little photo's and keepsakes from the wedding.

    As always it's distinctively you! xxxx

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  11. You've included so many wonderful symbols of love! I love the way your pieces have many parts that come together as a whole. Each part could stand alone, but together...okay, maybe I'm trying to say the whole is greater than the sum of its parts!

    Anyway, I just love your pieces! And those envelopes are darling!

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  12. Gorgeous and inspring - well worthy of a frame and for it to be put on a wall
    x

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