Scottish Thistle
The Official Emblem of Scotland
"Scottish Thistle" is a captivating tribute to the rugged beauty of Scotland's national emblem. Crafted as a hand-painted cast paper artwork, this piece captures the delicate yet resilient nature of the thistle. Mounted on a 12" round canvas, the artwork is adorned with an artist-designed 3D printed frame, meticulously hand-painted to complement the intricate details of the piece. Each brushstroke celebrates the thistle's significance in Scottish culture, symbolizing resilience, bravery, and the untamed spirit of the Highlands. "Scottish Thistle" invites viewers to immerse themselves in the timeless allure of Scotland's landscape and heritage, a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic symbol.
The Keepsake Story
Legend has it that in the 9th century when the Norse were often raiding Scotland, a group of Vikings tried to sneak up on a group of sleeping Clansmen. They had removed their shoes to creep quietly but stepped on thistles and cried out in pain. The alerted Scots made them pay.
I include this story on the back of the piece along with a small infographic of the Cast Paper process.
See Also
"Scottish Triptych"
https://www.etsy.com/listing/202165094/scottish-triptych-cast-paper-celtic-art
"Rampant Lion"
https://www.etsy.com/listing/202164208/rampant-lion-cast-paper-celtic-art
■Unveiling Cast Paper ■
Cast Paper epitomizes the craft of handcrafted paper imbued with dimensionality. My approach to this art form is uniquely devised, lending it an unmistakable character.
■ Phase 1 - I intricately sculpt an original design using wax, a process whose duration varies based on the intricacy and scale of the piece.
■ Phase 2 - From the wax sculpture, a rubber mold is fashioned, enabling the replication of multiple pieces.
■ Phase 3 - 100% cotton fiber transforms into pliable pulp through grinding with water. This pulp is then meticulously shaped and pressed into the mold.
■ Phase 4 - Following a drying period, the castings undergo meticulous trimming and inspection to rectify any imperfections. Not all castings pass this exacting scrutiny.
■ Phase 5 - Each dried casting receives dedicated attention as I meticulously hand-paint them using premium acrylic pigments, investing considerable time and effort into this delicate process.
■ Phase 6 - Lastly, each casting is thoughtfully mounted for display, elevating its aesthetic allure when presented.