The Wings of Beauty
Silver Street - West Gallery 3/1/25 - 3/29/25
The Guardian
The Guardian captures the key elements of the North American Monarch Butterfly's life cycle without showing a representation of the butterfly itself. The trunk of a surreal tree is a representation of the colors of the Monarch caterpillar, the branches represent the unique scales of the butterfly wings and the extremities of the branches are the butterfly clusters found on the trees in the oyamel fir forests of central Mexico where the butterflies overwinter, 3000 m above sea level. The trees in these forests are indeed the guardians of this unique butterfly.
At winters end the Monarchs embark on a distant northward journey represented in the painting by the imposing distant vista.
Acrylic on canvas 48" x48".
The Reign of the Monarchs
This timepiece reflects the omnipresence of the Monarch butterfly through the history of Mexico from before the time of the Aztec Empire, represented by the Aztec Calendar through to present day Mexico, represented by the colors of the Mexican flag.
Working clock. Acrylic, with preserved Monarch butterflies 21" x21" x 3'
Resurrection
There is a deep symbology in this work. The background represents the light and darkness of the world, with the single red butterfly indicative of innocence but also life force. The energy emanating from the golden and transparent tree limbs are indicative of spiritual rebirth in another world.
Acrylic painting 48" x60".
Bel Sogno
Bel Sogno is a composition following in the footsteps of the Nocturne series using the same flowing style but using real butterflies.
"Absolutely mesmerizing!! I love the flow, the colour choice, the movement......!!!!. All of it is WOW" - Maggioart Consulting London UK
Acrylic on canvas, real preserved butterflies 32" x42" x2.5"
Nocturne No. 3
Nocturne No. 3 is an ethereal composition with an enchanting dreamlike quality, where butterflies and surreal flowers frolic together with a full moon. The artwork is both tranquil and expressive.
A nocturne is traditionally a musical composition that is inspired by, or evocative of, the night, an example of which is Frédéric Chopin's Nocturne in G Minor, Op. 15, No. 3. which is a perfect accompaniment while viewing this piece.
Acrylic on canvas 36" x48"
Eternal Flame
Inspired by the Flame Butterfly. Superimposed on a red and orange background which radiates heat, is a yellow gold and green tessellation of shapes that imitate the scales on this butterfly.
Think for a moment, 'Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well'. – Unknown
Acrylic on canvas 48" x48"
Mother of Pearls
Inspired by the Mother of Pearl butterfly. Mother of Pearl has many symbolic meanings across cultures, including purity, serenity, and protection. It's also associated with intuition, creativity, and emotional balance. In this work it is the inspiration for the light pastel colours used to create a feeling of calm serenity
Acrylic on canvas 36" x36"
Ethereal Flight
Two delicate and light butterflies traverse a shallow pond or stream, merging in color with the blue waters beneath, so close in fact to the water that they could even appear to be submerged in a way that seems otherworldly or supernatural.
Oil on canvas 11" 14"
The Painted Lady
The painted lady is a butterfly famed for its spectacular long migration from the desert fringes of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to Northern Europe. Representing this butterfly through 'stained glass window' effect is a testament to the strength and durability of undertaking such a long flight. The sky is 'aurora' like, to represent the end of the northward migration over cities and forests outlined at the base of the painting, with the sandy colour representative of the dry climes at the start of its journey.
Acrylic on canvas 14" x14"
Heart of Gold
For those who love the Monarch butterfly this clock is a perfect tribute to this treasured butterfly. The 12 Danaus Plexippus flutter inside a heart of gold that shines brightly against a dark blue sky. A simple glance at the clock can lift you out of the gloom of a dark overcast day and infuse you with an overwhelming sense of warmth and make you fall in love with Monarchs all over again.
Working clock Acrylic, with preserved Monarch butterflies 29" x29" x3"
Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars
The impending night and the dark and stark intertwined branches of the tree leave you with a feeling of spectral discomfort that is heighted by the eerie colors of the night. Not knowing if the blue hues of the sky are hiding the moon or something else adds to these emotions. But then the bright gold butterflies that dance among the branches fill you with the exact opposite emotion, one of calm and all is well.
Acrylic on canvas, 23kt gold leaf 48" x48"
Dream Big
A young girl stands at the end of a jetty silhouetted against an enormous full moon, deep in thoughts and dreams of oversized golden butterflies, while in the moment holding a tiny butterfly in her own hand. The brilliant moon's hypnotic reflection dances across on the surface of the calmly undulating sea to complete the tranquil ambiance of the moment.
Acrylic on canvas, 23 karat gold leaf 24" x30"
Beyond the Phoenix
New life is flowing up the trunk and out through the branches of a tree severely damaged and thought to be lifeless. Bohne L's original painting 'The Phoenix Tree,' aptly named after the Phoenix rising from the ashes, was the precursor to this work. Here new life is indicated by the introduction of color at ground level and in surreal flora springing from the earth. The spiritual messages the painting are many.
Acrylic on canvas 60" x72"
Blue Ice Palace
This design comprises twelve Blue Mountain Glory butterflies. The reflective and glistening silver tones give a feeling of frost, snow and ice to a mandala that would not look out of place in a palace.
Working clock, acrylic, twelve real preserved Blue Mountain Glory butterflies 36" x36"
