Winner of the Bluethumb ArtPrize, Photography 2021

Last year during lock down I became enamoured with Dutch still life, Vanitas and Memento Mori sentiments. I dreamt of creating my own ridiculously oversized floral ode to Dutch still life. All the beautiful blooms in this picture are from the fabulous Castlemaine Floristry. As well as rich florals, this artwork is thick with Vanitas-style meaning. Birds in still life represent the resurrection of the soul after death. The skull of course is a reminder of our mortality, and the crown - well you can't take it with you! The unlit candle marks the passing of time, the snails remind us to slow down. Large shells symbolise lust and beauty, therefore hinting at lust as a sin and the power of temptation. Also a sign of death and frailty, as shells were often once homes for a living animal. What else can you read into the image?

This still life was photographed in my studio. The king parrot was photographed in Trentham, and the little insects were photographed in various locations.

Printed by a master printer in small editions in limited sizes.

LIMITED EDITION Printed by a Master Printer on Canson Platine fine art cotton rag (coated), 310gsm.

Unframed, archival Giclée art print

90×80cm SOLD OUT

98cm x 94cm - $1300 - Edition of 12 with 2 Artist Proofs

120cm x 107cm - $2800- Edition of 3 with 1 Artist Proof (1 left)