The Irmatage

The Norfolk Studio Tour is just around the corner! Be sure to stop in and see my new work on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th, from 10 am - 5 pm. Download a printable map with all artists' locations at www.norfolkstudiotour.com

These paintings from Bulova-Forrest's "Kaleidoscopic Series" are rigid geometric, predominantly symmetrical, each one with a varying colour scheme. They are executed with utmost precision, each geometric section outlined with metallic pencils, bronze, silver, gold. Bulova-Forrest often referred to these works as "symmetrical mandalas"; geometric shapes representing "Runic and Lithuanian ancient symbols", that were intended to invoke "deep states of concentration and ... medi...tation". The lozenge motif in a number of Bulova-Forrest's pieces, such as "Trakai", "Verkiai", "Gardinas", symbolizes the "serpent" that is described in Lithuanian legends as a prince who is under a curse, and who transforms himself into a human figure upon being beckoned by his true love. The colour scheme in some of the works, such as "Trakai", is "characteristic of those used in traditional Lithuanian textiles woven by peasant women and sewn into folk costumes, table cloths or bed covers". Titles of some of the paintings, such as "Gediminas" are based on .."historical Lithuanian kings and queens known for their ceaseless fight against oppression and terror [brought] on by the Teutonic Orders, invasions of Tataric Hordes and battles with Russian and Slavic Princedoms." Some of the titles, such as "Trakai" are also named after "famous historic castles and rivers [in Lithuania]. "Howling Wolf" and "Eagle Head" were inspired by myths, legends the nation's folklore, as well as indigenous stories. "Hakilar", wrote the artist, was inspired by "... the earth-goddess worshipping civilization ... from the neolithic times throughout Europe and Anatolia (Turkey)." Other Kaleidoscopic works were influenced by other cultures and famous locations that Bulova-Forrest travelled to. One such piece, titled "Alhambra" with its Arabesque-like motifs, was inspired by the Moorish palace/fortress/citadel, Alhambra, in Granada, Spain that the artist visited. She wrote, that ... "the beauty of the countryside and medieval cities, the sounds of Flamenco music still echoe in my [mind]. I listened to Flamenco music ... and kept on painting".

This is a selection of ten works from Bulova-Forrest's "Kaleidoscopic Series", that was created between 1986 1992 in Toronto. The artist used gouache and metallic pencils on watercolour paper to execute this series. Each work varies in size from 40" x 40" to 42" x 42", and is mounted on acid-free white matting, framed in 48" x 48" black metal frames. These are the titles: 1. "Vilija", 1987; 2. "Trakai", 1987; 3. "Verkiai", 1987; 4. "Gardinas", 1987; 5. "Irmgarta", 1988; 6. "Jaunutis", 1988; 7. "Gediminas", 1988; 8. "Eaglehead", 1989; 9. "Hakilar", 1991; 10. "Alhambra II", 1992. I'd like to give the photo credit to Andrew Butkevicius. His work can be viewed on www.studioab.cc