Turtle Dove

Turtle Doves are an endangered species and therefore deserve to be celebrated and protected. They are such a beautiful bird. Their sleek body is so elegant and their plumage is really fascinating and distinctive. This bird is central to this artwork, surrounded by foliage to give the turtle dove a sense of place and safety within its environment.

This piece focuses on the shapes and patterns found on the dove’s plumage and these have been stylised to facilitate pattern making, which I love to do, and is further emphasised by using a limited colour palette. A simple, white moon backdrop has been used, allowing the shapes, patterns and design features to project forwards, taking centre stage. 

The artwork has been precisely hand-made using layers of cut, pearlescent and plain coloured papers, forming a bas-relief on every surface. The pearlescent golds have a really attractive sheen and add sophistication to the piece. Black ink has been rubbed into the gold pearlescent card to create a different tonal quality and its subtle colour change compliments the other colours well.

Black acrylic paint has been applied to areas on the raised pieces, to create a fully opaque and slightly textured surface to contrast with the pearlescent papers. Sections of this design have been layered and built up to different heights, using model making techniques.  This emphasises the various elements of the design, plays with the idea of light, depth and shadow, elevating a fairly flat design into a far more involved artwork.

Limited editions of 5

Handmade bas-relief paper cut art mounted onto acid-free 500gsm mounts

12" x 12" x 1" (30 x 30 x 3 cm) gallery quality black / white wooden frames from sustainably sourced UK forests 

UV-protective glass with hard-board backs, professional hanging system and authenticity labelling

Professionally packaged in sturdy recycled cardboard boxes 15" x 15" x 2" (38 x 38 x 5 cm)

UK Shipping 5 - 7 days / International Shipping 10 - 14 days