Stillness: The Invocation of Winter

Artist’s Note: A highly symbolic work inspired by iconography. The young man in the painting represents winter, and her resilient 'life force'. Stillness is implied by the lichen which grows on his cheek, and by his crown of laurel leaves and rose hips. A rebellious curl of the lip and penetrating eyes hint that while he looks like some ancient mural or statue, he is alive. A drop of blood runs down his cheek, symbolising life. Purity, a new start, again life is represented in the hellebore flower, and the robin symbolises endings and death.