Salamander Discovery
A child's wonder crystallized in layered memory—this composition captures the magic of discovery during a forest hike. A young boy's image repeats across the surface like frames of film, while a human hand extends protectively, fingers curled around unseen treasure. A vibrant red salamander glows like living jewel against textured earth tones, and a large centipede winds through the composition as fellow creature of the undergrowth. The palette shifts from forest floor browns and mossy greens to electric coral, turquoise spray, golden metallics, and deep shadow blacks. Multiple collage layers create archaeological depth, as if excavating the memory itself—each layer revealing another fragment of the experience, another piece of the story of the day a child and his mother found magic beneath a log.
Details
An original mixed media artwork, rich with surreal symbolism and tactile intrigue. Each layer is meticulously built upon a heavy-duty stretched canvas using a myriad of materials, inviting the viewer into a world of texture and depth. Created with professional archival paints and sealed for protection, this piece is designed to endure. The included collage elements are printed with archival inks on fine art papers, ensuring the vibrancy lasts for generations.Size
12x12Materials & Techniques
mediums/materials: phosphorescent paints, found objects, paper, wax, photo collage, oxidative inks, distress paint and inks, acrylic pouring, digitally altered images, acrylic paint, watercolor, spray paint, walnut ink, staining mediums, tissue paper, mica powders, glitter, heavy gel medium, gesso, pebeo prism and fantasy paints, ceramic paint, stained glass paint, alcohol inks, iridescent inks, distress crayons, charcoal, pastels, oil pastels, string, beads, jewelry, gems, chains, buttons, foils, newspaper, vinyl, plastic, walnut inks, india ink, colorshift paints and more!Hidden Images & Elements
Hidden Imagery & Symbolism: The salamander represents transformation, regeneration, and the fire element in earth form (salamanders were believed to be born from flame in medieval lore). The centipede symbolizes adaptability, protection, and the hidden life beneath surfaces. The repeating child images suggest memory's fragmentary nature and the way single moments expand into defining experiences. The protective hand represents parental guidance introducing children to the natural world's wonders.Interpretation
Interpretation: This deeply personal piece memorializes a specific hiking experience between mother and son, elevating the ordinary moment of finding a salamander into something mythic. It speaks to the importance of introducing children to nature's small miracles, the way childhood wonder preserves experiences as treasure, and the sacred bond created when parents share discoveries with their children. The heavy texturing and layering suggest this memory has been visited and revisited, built up over time with meaning.Poetry
He learned the word for fire that lives in cold places, for orange that breathes.
$380.00Price