Gears of Growth
"Gears of Growth" stands as a monumental testament to the essence of life's journey—a profound exploration of growth, both physical and internal, depicted through a striking fusion of mural art, mosaic work, and oil painting. This mixed media mural is a deeply personal creation, representing the continuous evolution of self and mindset.
Symbolizing the ceaseless motion of life, the gears within the mural mirror the perpetual flux of thoughts and experiences, propelling us forward on our path of self-discovery and growth. From dependence to independence, the mural traces the roots of our upbringing, sturdy as a tree, branching into our own unique pursuits and blossoming into the individuals we become.
Each flower adorning the piece serves as a poignant motif, encapsulating various stages of our journey, from budding beginnings to full bloom. "Gears of Time" is not merely a work of art but a profound reflection of the intricate tapestry of life—dynamic, ever-changing, and endlessly evolving.
The Creative Process
The creation of this large-scale mixed media mural commenced with a detailed sketch and strategic planning to guide the process. Using gallons of oil paints, the wooden canvas background was meticulously crafted, leaving the outline of the central figure untouched. To enhance depth and dimension, wooden pieces were intricately cut and fitted, providing a sturdy foundation for the mosaic tree trunk—a symbolic representation of the woman's spine. With careful attention to detail, the body was then painted in oils and seamlessly integrated into the canvas, bringing the vision to life with each stroke.
The next phase involved the meticulous creation of the mosaic tree trunk spine—a laborious process that required careful selection and preparation of tiles in various hues matching the colours of the background. Tiles were methodically sorted by colour before being broken into tiny pieces using a hammer, ready for mosaic application. Over the course of about a week, the perfect layout was carefully crafted, with each piece thoughtfully applied using multi-bond adhesive and grouted to ensure stability. Subsequently, any excess grout covering the tiles was removed using a sanding machine, before the tiles were varnished to enhance their visual impact and durability.
As the final touch, clock gears were intricately added to the tree branches, serving as focal points and symbolic representations of the "gears of growth." Bound by rope, meticulously spray-painted, the piece was then framed and proudly displayed. "Gears of Time" stands as a vibrant tapestry of personal evolution, each element meticulously crafted to capture the essence of life's continuous journey of growth and self-discovery.
In the subsequent phase, the addition of flowers to the mural became a poignant expression of my personal growth journey. Each flower, meticulously chosen for its symbolic significance, served as a testament to different facets of self-growth. At the base, vibrant yellow daffodils symbolized "new beginnings," marking the start of the transformative process. Yellow tiger lilies followed, representing "gratitude," a reminder to appreciate the opportunities for growth bestowed upon us. Next, orange lilies conveyed a sense of "pride," emphasizing the importance of celebrating our journey and accomplishments. Finally, pink irises embodied "wisdom, passion, and success," reflecting the culmination of growth and its profound impact on our lives. To add texture and depth to the flowers, crushed mosaic tile pieces were incorporated with gesso before being meticulously painted with oils, each stroke infused with intricate detail and meaning.
Inspiration
The style of the oil painting in "Gears of Time" draws inspiration from the fluid and smooth movements characteristic of Georgia O'Keeffe's renowned work, particularly exemplified in "Lake George Reflection." This technique lends a sense of organic flow to the background, echoing the natural rhythm of life depicted in the mural.
The addition of mosaic features presents an exciting new dimension to the piece, inspired by the intricate mosaic walls of Gaudi's Parc Güell in Spain. This innovative technique posed a thrilling challenge, pushing the boundaries of mixed media artistry. Through experimentation and dedication, the incorporation of mosaics has elevated the piece, marking a significant milestone in my artistic journey and establishing me as a mosaic artist.