Secret Story: Like A Wildflower
Like a Wildflower. Mixed media on birch board by Kirstie Pae
“Like a wildflower; she spent her days, allowing herself to grow, not many knew of her struggle, but eventually all, knew of her light”
– Nikki Rowe
I’ve been thinking a lot about growth lately and how – for me – it doesn’t always come easily. The voices of negativity sometimes try to make themselves known. I battle thoughts of whether my work is “relevant” and occasionally self doubt. Through it all I keep going.
Why? Because growth is life. Growth allows me to turn my face to the sky no matter how heavy the rain. It enables me to stretch my fingers outwards, not only to the sun and heaven, but in the hope that it reaches, enrichens and brightens the lives of others too. Like you.
It was therefore in the spirit of growth (and seeking wildflowers) that I decided to create this artwork by exploring use of a new medium, mixed media with collage on birch board.
The sense of freedom I experienced as I created this artwork was profound as the flowers and butterflies and leaves I carefully painted and placed on the board.
In terms of the artwork itself, sunflowers represent joy, violets feature for faith. You may spy little sections music featuring. I chose to use the music of Chopin, one of my favourite composers I love to play on the piano. (I felt it appropriate to express my love for not only the music, but my growth as a creative from originally being a musician to becoming a visual artist.)
Butterflies represent change, renewal and hope. Something we all strive for as we grow. The background reminds me of gentle rays of sunlight dappled through the leaves of a tree on a warm springtime day.
Finally two birds feature, the spotted pardalote and the blue-faced honey eater, representing liberation and freedom.
It was truly wonderful adventure. May you be like a wildflower and allow yourself to grow, even if it takes place in the most unusual of places…
About Kirstie Page
Kirstie Page is an Australian mixed media artist, classically trained musician and former dementia trainer with experience working on the front line in aged care. Kirstie creates beautifully uplifting artworks that incorporate her understanding of science and dementia to provide comfort and joy to people, including those living with dementia and other health conditions.
You may also enjoy reading
Supernova
Read the secret story behind this Art Nouveau mixed media artwork by Kirstie Page
Look Beyond
Read the secret story behind this Art Nouveau inspired painting by Kirstie Page.