Last spring, as I stepped into my garden, I was greeted by the enchanting sight of the magnolia beginning to unfurl its blossoms. This moment has always felt monumental to me. The beauty of this tree is simply captivating, but the tale behind it adds an extraordinary layer to its significance. Decades ago, Mrs. Derks and her sister planted this majestic tree as little girls. She cherished this garden throughout her life, even as our homes became neighbours and our gardens intertwined. Though Mrs. Derks has passed on, reaching the age of 84, her remarkable legacy is a precious gift to our community.
Each year, I capture the splendour of these trees through photography, but this time, I ventured into new artistic territory. My latest creation is a striking piece measuring 150×200 cm, elegantly mounted on an aluminium frame. It’s a mixed media work that incorporates photography printed on paper, meticulously glued to canvas, and enhanced with a gel medium to provide texture. I’ve layered it with acrylics, oil paints, oil sticks, and even chrome paint, applying each element with brushes, sponges, palette knives, and, sometimes, my fingers. This highly detailed artwork marks the beginning of an exciting new series ready to be shipped worldwide and expertly handled by professionals.
