Botanical & Flowers · horizontal

Rippled Tulip, Yellow Glazed Tile Relief

A yellow tulip with broad green leaves is sculpted in relief on a weathered panel with a teal and cream tiled border. Swirling, rippled patterns in ochre, green and brown are layered over the whole surface. The glaze is chipped and worn in places, showing pale patches and an iron hanging loop at the top.

A bright yellow tulip is a familiar subject, but here it sits on a worn, chipped tile relief with a turquoise border, and a rippled, water-like pattern runs over the whole surface. A stranger sees a cheerful flower first, then notices the weathered glaze, the iron hanging loop and the marbled swirls. It is a flower picture with age and texture in it, and it avoids the usual bouquet-on-white look. The yellow, green and teal give a room a clear colour anchor.

Artwork by Omaste Witkowski