Tea towel designed by Shani Nottingham
A cotton/linen tea towel created from an original image (Size 297mm wide x 420mm high) by artist Shani Nottingham
The production of these tea towels were created with the support of the Orana Arts Studio Co!Lab and the original image photographed by the Mudgee Art House. All proceeds from the sale of these tea towels go to support the Orana Arts Studio Co!Lab.
Medium/technique used to create the original image - Becoming Acquainted by Butterflies
Mixed media collage and lead pencil.
Concept for Becoming Acquainted by Butterflies
Although started by Shani as a spontaneous need to create, the work operates on several levels. The image is ‘light’ and gentle, like the butterflies themselves, with the energy and playfulness of the spots giving cohesion and a reminder that joy and hope is there. Butterflies are universally known as a symbol of beauty, but also reinvention, of creating life anew. Here they alight on shoulders, tickle and tease, but also obstruct the womans view of another possible life she could have.
The title is a quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince:
“Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.”
A blog with this title talked about how we grow and change, but have to go through a caterpillar phase, that cannot be rushed, before we emerge as butterflies. Transformations, personal and social, usually begin with gentle first steps. Shani has said that “Perhaps this image is my subliminal interpretation of my own changing circumstances and the world situation, manifested in a visual form”.
About the Artist
Shani Nottingham is a Fine artist/ Illustrator/ Educator/ Presenter/ Creative and the person behind rare pear studio based in regional NSW. Shani completed a Visual Arts degree, has a degree in teaching and has travelled extensively, Her portfolio bursts with whimsy and colour, but she is equally happy with the subtle nuances of neutrals. She creates illustrations and art in watercolour, ink, gouache, mixed media, printing, collage and photography. In addition she is the founder of THE BREADTAG PROJECT, (has regular exhibitions, creates content for social media, hosts regular creative workshops and occasionally shares stories and arty stuff on her blog.