Gods of Fire have made their appearances in cultures throughout history. They have been chosen to represent gem on repurposed media. The work fits into the Ecocentric Art Movement by bringing materials back to life. A reclaimed printed background disappears behind opaque oil paint rendering and reappears through transparent acrylic wash. Eternal flames re-emerge in the facets of jewels which reflect and transfix.
Ecocentric: Repurposing Media
Harper paints gemstones on reclaimed materials. What became refuse is repurposed, transforming base materials into noble objects. Diverse media such as discarded tablecloths, wallpaper, graphic posters, upholstery fabric, paintings, canvases, commercial art, building and metal scraps become painting surfaces. By reforming and re-employing, the work fits into the Ecocentric Art Movement to reduce, reuse and upcycle. Harper synthesizes historical and contemporary styles by mixing the classical tradition of still-life painting with modernism.
““Ut” Green Topaz on Poster”
