Sobek , 2023
23.5 carat genuine shell gold, hematite, watercolour, ink on Indian hemp paper
As I was painting and imagining the journey of a whale, I couldn't help but think about the amazing and unique creatures that it might come across. Finding inspiration in...
As I was painting and imagining the journey of a whale, I couldn't help but think about the amazing and unique creatures that it might come across. Finding inspiration in a 13th-century manuscript titled 'Wonder's of Creation', I pictured the Nile crocodile and instantly thought of Sobek, an ancient crocodile deity who was believed by the Egyptians to have created order throughout the universe. Given Sobek's association with cosmological ideas, I thought it would be a fitting character to include in my series of paintings inspired by historic manuscripts on the cosmos.
I used strong, handmade Indian hemp paper to paint 'Sobek' and in the image, he is depicted carrying a golden sun on his back, as a tribute to the original carving's crown. The style of the painting was influenced by Persian Miniature art, which emphasizes the spirit and character of the subject rather than accuracy. His belly is decorated with reflective, crushed hematite, and the painting is bordered with a vibrant lead-red border that
I used strong, handmade Indian hemp paper to paint 'Sobek' and in the image, he is depicted carrying a golden sun on his back, as a tribute to the original carving's crown. The style of the painting was influenced by Persian Miniature art, which emphasizes the spirit and character of the subject rather than accuracy. His belly is decorated with reflective, crushed hematite, and the painting is bordered with a vibrant lead-red border that