Sandy Shaw

Wonderland Series  |  Acylic and Mixed Media on Canvas  |   2011 - 2016

​

Statement of Work

Maude: I should like to change into a sunflower most of all. They're so tall and simple. What flower would you like to be? 
Harold: I don't know. One of these, maybe (gesturing to a field of daisies).
Maude: Why do you say that? 
Harold: Because they're all alike. 
Maude: Oooh, but they're not. Look. See, some are smaller, some are fatter, some grow to the left, some to the right, some even have lost some petals. All kinds of observable differences. You see, Harold, I feel that much of the world's sorrow comes from people who are this [she points to a daisy], yet allow themselves be treated as that [gesturing to a field ofdaisies].

-          from the film, “Harold and Maude”

​

The “WONDERLAND SERIES” is an exploration and celebration of the beauty and mystery of flowers.   For me it is a personal, meditative practice.  I not only observe flowers but examine each individually through realistic sketches and watercolor studies.  Once I feel a sense of the flower’s character I allow my hand to freely sketch, in ink, a stylized interpretation onto canvas.  This provides the first layer. Each painting consists of dozens of interwoven layers, including ink, rice paper and thin, translucent layers of paint. Each stroke and mark adds richness and depth, creating a sense oflight, harmony and aesthetic pleasure.  Above all, I hope to capture the wonder of the garden.

​