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Warm Suroundings
Oil
Although I believe that art is for the viewer to interpret for themselves, I find myself taking on the role as audience member all through the creation process and after. "Warm Surroundings" was inspired by the arrival of calla lilies and petunias in my garden--the rigid, yet fluid flow of the calla; its gracefulness, beautiful shape and inviting form. This combined with the delicate and somewhat erratic flow of the petunia. As I was creating the actual painting, I began to notice the character and rhythm of the forms. I saw this growing community or clan. The central mother figure with her new child--shining through the protection of the elder tribesmen, with new life and joy; illuminated, but protected as they move toward a new horizon and bright new future. Calla lilies and petunias are similar yet different, both moving toward a warm peaceful future together. For the petunia it will be short lived; for the calla it is just the beginning of a very long productive life.
--Sean Butler