HAVE YOU MET THE GARDEN GIRLS?
THE GOOD NATURED GOSSIPS
THE CREATION OF A COLLECTION
Have you ever noticed that sometimes the creative process unfolds, similar to how a flower blooms? Starting with a tiny seed of an idea, growing slowly and almost imperceptibly. Gradually taking shape over time and finally blooming into something extraordinary? That's precisely how The Garden Girls Collection came to life.
THE SEED OF AN IDEA
It began merely as a desire to pay tribute to an inheritance of my mother's beloved porcelain figurine collection. She and my maternal grandmother had collected these ceramic works of art over many years, and they were a familiar sight throughout my childhood, silently gracing shelves, credenzas and filling a display case that stood in the hall outside my bedroom. As a child, I was intrigued by these beautiful doll-like creations, but they were off-limits to touch. That might be part of the reason I never really warmed to them, and as an adult, I appreciated the value they held for my mother, but I was never particularly attached to them.
When my mother passed away, I found myself with over two dozen of these figurines, not knowing what to do with them. I didn't have the heart to give them away, but I couldn't imagine displaying them in my home. If they would ever be a part of my decor, I would need to find a way to make them feel more contemporary. The idea of modernizing them by spray painting them a single colour crossed my mind. I liked the idea of simplifying and unifying the collection, but I struggled with the thought of destroying these works of art my mother had held dear. So, I wrapped them up and left them untouched.
THE IDEA BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE
Finally, one day I decided to photograph the figurines in my studio just to have a record of them. I unwrapped the first figure, placed her under the lights and took her photo from every angle and distance. I thought I was cataloguing her in case I found the courage to drape her in paint one day. Little did I know that these photos would be the seeds of a better idea.
Moving the photos into the computer, I recalled the elegance of silhouette paintings, where a single colour highlights the subject against an interesting backdrop. With renewed enthusiasm, I digitally "painted" the figurine in white, transforming it into a captivating silhouette. But the background needed something more. I experimentally layered a photo of one of my abstract paintings behind her. After a bit more tweaking, there it was, the first piece of The Garden Girls Collection. I couldn't help but feel excited.
“A collection of contemporary silhouette portraits that preserve all the nostalgia without the dust. ”
A COLLECTION BLOOMS
The following day, I returned to the studio and continued unwrapping more figurines and taking their portraits. As I captured their unique features, I began to fall in love with each one. Their lifted chins, graceful postures, and tender gestures were mesmerizing.
I imagine that, like me, many of you may have grandmothers, mothers and aunts with similar figurine collections. Perhaps like me, you have wondered what the women who collected them saw in them. I hope my new collection inspires you to rediscover the charm of these cherished collectibles in a fresh, modern light.
I PRESENT TO YOU THE GARDEN GIRLS COLLECTION
A collection of contemporary silhouette portraits that preserve all the nostalgia without the dust. Each one is a unique and harmonious fusion of my abstract paintings and traditionally beloved ceramic figurines.
Named "garden girls" for their garden-like abstract painting backgrounds but also for their resemblance to what could be portraits of guests attending a fancy dress garden party. Can you picture them elegantly gathered amidst flowers, sharing secrets, and feeding birds from their hands? Step into their enchanting world, and let these beautiful new works of art weave their magic on your sentimental soul.
THE GARDEN GIRLS COLLECTION