BT Tower Beneath Daffodils
"BT Tower Beneath Daffodils," a signed and limited edition of 50 silk screen prints, is inspired by Hiroshige's "Irises at Horikiri" and Proust's vivid imagery. Much like how Proust drew inspiration from the steeples of Martinville, "seeming now no more than three flowers painted on the sky above the low line of the fields", the iconic BT Tower in London has been a source of artistic inspiration for me. Situated against the backdrop of coal drops yard, by Regents Canal north of Kings Cross, it holds personal significance of my memories growing up in London. Each print blends tradition with innovation, echoing Hiroshige's style while embracing modern resonance. With attention to detail, "BT Tower Beneath Daffodils" invites viewers on a visual journey that transcends time and space.
How its made
Silkscreen Printing
Silkscreen printing, also known as screen printing, is a versatile and widely used printing technique that involves transferring ink onto a substrate through a mesh screen. The process begins with a design, typically created digitally or hand-drawn, which is then transferred onto a fine mesh screen coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. Areas of the screen that are not part of the design are blocked off, creating a stencil. Ink is then applied to the screen and spread evenly using a squeegee, forcing the ink through the open mesh onto the substrate below. Each color in the design requires a separate screen and printing pass, allowing for vibrant and intricate designs. Once the ink is applied, the substrate is typically dried or cured to set the ink permanently.
Hiroshige's Horikiri Iris Garden
Hiroshige (1797-1858), a renowned Japanese ukiyo-e artist of the 19th century, is celebrated for his masterful depictions of landscapes and nature. Among his notable works is "Irises at Horikiri," a captivating woodblock print that captures the serene beauty of a summer scene. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery, the irises bloom vibrantly along the water's edge, their delicate petals dancing in the breeze. Hiroshige's meticulous attention to detail and his skillful use of color and composition transport viewers to the tranquil Horikiri Iris Garden in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), where the artist found inspiration in the natural world. Through "Irises at Horikiri," Hiroshige not only showcases his artistic prowess but also invites contemplation of the fleeting beauty and harmony of nature.
The serene beauty captured in Hiroshige's "Irises at Horikiri" served as a profound inspiration for my own artwork, "BT Tower Beneath Daffodils." Much like Hiroshige, I found myself drawn to the tranquility and harmony depicted in his print, particularly in the way nature interacts with man. Just as Hiroshige showcased the beauty of the Horikiri Iris Garden, I aimed to capture the essence of a different landscape—the bustling cityscape of London, with the iconic BT Tower as its focal point. Drawing from Hiroshige's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to evoke a sense of place, I sought to infuse my own print with a similar sense of tranquility and wonder. The juxtaposition of the BT Tower framed by vibrant daffodils, mirrors Hiroshige's mastery of composition and colour. Through "BT Tower Beneath Daffodils," I pay homage to Hiroshige's timeless artistry while offering my own interpretation of the beauty found in the urban landscape.