sapphire iris
Temple of the flower presentS
’sapphire iris’
fine art painting by Steve Glass
Inspiration flowing directly from
the Iris Flower,
& the natural world.
The short film above is a full test run & inspiration for the proposed project.
‘Sapphire Iris’ Acrylic on plaster, 120 × 120cm
project overview
inspired by the expression of the Iris Flower.
Through my deepening interest with flowers I set my intention with this project to explore the creative act itself and ask some relevant questions. What does it mean to create, to express through the body, and how is this process in fact mirrored in the beautiful and sometimes challenging, ordinary daily life, weaving with nature, the flowers and my local community. For this study I have chosen the Iris Flower.
* The Process
of Organic Creative Expression
The Art of Creativity
* Building community
through the inspiration of creativity and nature as vital for the growth of a healthy vibrant society.
* Flower inspiration
Download full pdf
project presentation
The Process
Creative expression
The Iris flower, subject focus of a series in its own right, of 12 paintings.
Painted set in the formation of a clock face, a circle, 360 degrees,
12 expressions of the Iris. Each painting will be 1.2 metres square, laid
out flat on the floor. 12 days duration and 12 layers for each painting.
Movement & PRESENCE
Each stage/layer will be approached in the form of calligraphic movement of the brush. My focus and intent is to totally go with fluid flow, expressing the iris as pure creative expression of movement.
I’ve been greatly inspired by Japanese performance calligraphy. Using a very large brush with flowing brush strokes across the flat plane, just pure expression. And so I will take the centre of the circle and perform a series of moves so that at the end of each session I will have completed all 12 paintings.
Duration of 12 days, 12 layers to each painting, thereby giving a total of 144 brush strokes.
Method of application
’cosmic clock’
12 x Canvas arranged as a clock face.
120 x 120cm square
inspiration
Japanese Performance Calligraphy
This practice of writing characters with a brush and ink on paper or silk has for centuries served not only as a medium of communication but also as a pathway towards self-realisation and spiritual cultivation.
Each stroke, its direction, sequence, and shape hold a unique importance, rendering the art akin to a meditative practice.
More than just a form of calligraphy; it is a spiritual discipline, a manifestation of aesthetics, and a mode of personal expression. As each brushstroke glides across the paper, the art of Japanese calligraphy becomes a dialogue between the calligrapher and the viewer, a dance of ink and imagination, and a testament to the cultural richness of Japan.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, the tactile, physical, and spiritual experience of Shodō reminds us of the profound beauty of handwritten expression. Learning and appreciating Shodō not only connects us with an ancient tradition but also offers a serene retreat from the bustling modern world, allowing us to explore the depths of our creativity and self.
building community
community of creatives, nature and flower lovers
Reaching into our local and global communities.
To inspire art and organic creativity,
by way of the flower.
connecting locally & expanding into the collective, globally shared,
love of nature.
Creative expression and nature walk hand in hand and so very vital for a healthy functioning society.
It is my intention through the temple of the flower project and the fine art project of stevie.g - ‘Sapphire Iris’ to highlight the process involved with organic creativity, With the subject being of flowers. this opens up huge potential to involve our local communities,
to inspire and re-connect
with creativity & nature
With Much Love
Steve🌹🙏
