THE natural world has always been a rich source of inspiration to artists of all persuasions, from poets to potters. Whether it’s the delicate frond of a fern, the intricate veining of a leaf or the unfurling petals of a flower, there is an exquisite beauty to be found in the most commonplace of botanical specimens. It’s little wonder that Nature is such a perennially popular theme for artists, no matter the era or the prevailing fashion. Many strive to capture the world’s precise hues, yet there are others who choose to interpret it in a different way entirely—by working in shades of gold.
There is something profoundly significant about gold and it has long been the most prized of metals. It signifies value more than any other colour or material and has been treasured for millennia, used as currency and revered for its scarcity, beauty and malleability. Because of this, there have always been examples of people seeking to turn the natural materials around them