This artwork was influenced by the many medieval manuscripts and decorative arts objects I appreciated in European museums and by the sound of the time period's music. (A Cantiga is a type of medieval song.)
The process to create this piece was quite labor-intensive. The handmade paper was first dyed the gold background color while blocking out some areas with wax. The wax was removed and other dye colors were painted on those areas.
The next step was a little scary for me. The entire piece was then covered with wax, crinkled and cracked, then covered with black ink. After it was dry, the wax was ironed off and revealed the look of a worn manuscript.
The addition of encaustic paint (wax paint) gave the art dimension and depth and enhanced the "glow" of the work. Mixing the encaustic paint, keeping it warm and applying it to small areas can be a challenge. Gold and silver leaf and paint and the additional a few small pearls help to convey the influence of medieval manuscripts and the feeling of something precious and cherished. Shapes and colors were accentuated by outlining them with ink.
Because I wanted to enhance the idea of the piece "glowing", I decided to frame it with back-lighting. I constructed a shallow shadow box, raised and float-mounted the art and placed battery-operated "fairy lights" behind it. The battery pack is recessed and mounted on the back and is easily accessible. The lights, which offer a variety of visual options, can be controlled by a button or a remote. However, I believe that while the lighting adds a nice element, the artwork is strong enough to be viewed, and enjoyed, without the lights.
