I’ve decided to focus on a pair of watercolour paintings featuring Ivy that I have recently completed. “Loyalty” and “Support”
It will hold a special place in my heart as the first project i’ve completed since the move. In this article I’m going to cover what ivy symbolizes, why I chose to include butterflies, and a little bit of the process.
So without further delay, it’s story time!
What Inspired This Duo?
The original idea had been sitting in my mind since I was working on some greeting cards last year. It eventually made it into my sketchbook a little over two months ago. I put it to paper a few days after our move.
It felt like the right time.
If you haven’t seen that series of cards yet, click the button below.
What Does Ivy Symbolize?
Ivy has made an appearance in a few of my pieces. Mainly because its symbolism is so diverse. Din’s Fire, GRIS, A Love Letter, and now Loyalty, and Support all feature the vine.
For the purposes of these pieces the ivy represents it’s most commonly associated symbol. Fidelity. Its a pretty loaded word. In the dictionary it is quite literally defined as continued loyalty, and unyielding support.
Which is why I don’t want to sell these individually. You can’t separate them. They deserve to stay together.
As for the butterflies in this piece. They actually represent the names of the duo. A thought of loyalty, and the thought of support. paralleling the same theme from my other work featuring butterflies.
If you’re curious and want to do some more reading on the subject of ivy.
Oh! If you’re superstitious like me, don’t give ivy as a gift or bring it into your home unless it’s Yule. It’s bad luck otherwise.
You might want to keep it away from any pets. It can cause upset stomach and diarrhoea. Lovely… I know.
Details About the Framing
Before we left to start our new adventure in Vancouver. Mark and I went to our first garage sale. I secretly love a good garage sale. It’s like the antique store, but less expensive! We found some really great finds that afternoon, these frames included!
I was so excited to refinish the frames! At first I wanted to update them in a glossy black, making them very modern. Mainly because I didn’t know what I wanted to use them for yet, they were still in limbo. Later that night I had a bit of a lightbulb moment drawing out ideas in my sketchbook.
Then came the indecision. It wasn’t until I started playing around with different colours and compositions for Support and Loyalty that I decided to go with a white frame.
Sanded off the old stain, finished them in white, and created the distressed look you see now. I think they suit the pair extremely well.
Each was framed with conservation in mind. Acid-free backing for support, a recycled paper dust cover, and each has a sawtooth hanger installed on the back. Easier to hang.
These Originals measure 4”x4” inches. Set in a wooden frame.
The outside measurements of the frame are 5.25”x5.25” inches.
I strongly suggest you do not display them in a room with a lot of moisture. Condensation can build up behind the glass reactivating the watercolour, and the humidity can warp the frames.
Still want to purchase the duo?
Well, I think that about covers it. I hope you enjoyed reading this.
Stay Creative,
Justin Erickson
