There’s something rather special about a circle of light. Throughout the history of art, the aureole has been used to suggest radiance, significance and a sense of the extraordinary.
It was this idea that inspired my new Aureole Collection of collage artworks and greeting cards.
A little history behind the aureole
The word aureole comes from the Latin aureola, meaning “golden” or “gilded,” from aurum, meaning gold. Radiant circles, halos and surrounding fields of light have appeared in art for centuries, particularly in religious imagery.
Byzantine art often used a halo or nimbus around the head of a sacred figure, while an aureole can extend to include the entire figure. Art Nouveau also often used circles, radiating lines and luminous fields to suggest energy, presence, transformation and beauty.
That is the idea I have taken into my own work. In the Aureole Collection, the aureole celebrates each individual subject while uniting the collection.
Twelve collages. Twelve weeks.
The collection comprises 12 original collages inspired by the fauna and flora of the British winter - each featuring its own distinctive aureole. I’ve combined richly patterned papers, colour and intricate layers to create a series that is decorative, contemporary and full of character.
Over the next 12 weeks, I’ll be sharing one new Aureole collage each week. Each reveal will be accompanied by a short video showing the creation of that particular artwork - so you can follow along as the collection unfolds.
Accompanying this week's introductory blog meet a cheery robin in Winter Sentinel.
The Aureole Collection cards
I’ve also brought the collection to life as a range of quality 6-inch square greeting cards, featuring designs from the series. They’re available in packs of six in my online greeting card store: Wild Companions features the animal artworks, and Botanical Dreams, the floral designs.
Left blank for your own message, the cards are perfect for Christmas but versatile enough for birthdays, thank-yous and other celebrations throughout the year.
I hope you’ll enjoy following the collection as it continues to grow.
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