The Singapore Apothecary and Hanoi Vase
80x120x4cm
Framed size 82x122x6.8cm
This painting is part of a new series of still life created for my solo show " A Sense of Self"
Objects preserve a wealth of significant emotion and connection, serving as physical embodiments of identity. Their narratives project a sense of self while sharing stories of lives lived in other places and times. They hold a physical representation of experience, speaking of familial ties and the story of who we were, who we are, and where we have been.
I had a long ambition to own an apothecary cabinet. The many small drawers are practically useless but I always had a hankering for one. We bought one in Bermuda which alas is still on the island, I am not sure why.
We bought this one in Singapore, the clue is in the title. We discovered a furniture store in Chinatown which proved to be a treasure trove of antiques, some real others perhaps a little faux. We ended up at their warehouse in an industrial estate, which made choosing even more impossible. The apothecary was shipped to Bermuda and came with us to Australia. As barely anything fits in the drawers it has become a 20-drawer junk drawer.
The Hanoi vase is probably the most recent acquisition. My daughter spent Christmas 2024 in Hanoi with her boyfriend's extended family. Vietnam turned out to be a shopping heaven. Ella bought this vase for me from a pottery in Hanoi.
I have an extensive collection of white vessels and some of them are in the painting. Love white ceramics.
The Singapore Apothecary and Hanoi Vase
Frame
Framed in a custom, hand-produced, meranti (hardwood) float frame for a contemporary aesthetic which complements any interior.
The frame is hand-constructed, sanded and waxed in the studio. A wire is attached to the rear of the panel with brass d rings and is ready to hang
Please note the framing images are for reference only so you know what to expect.
Panel
I paint on custom hand-constructed ply panels, known as a cradled panel, I prefer a wood surface to canvas. I can paint on canvas for commissions if you prefer.
Construction : 3mm ply surface plus 42 x 19mm 1.2m DAR Pine for edges
The panel is gessoed with 3 coats of white acrylic paint to seal and create an even painting surface
Finish
Acrylic paint is notorious for drying to a flat dull surface despite being super shiny during application. I apply 3 coats of gloss acrylic medium with 24 hours between coats.
The gloss medium enhances the colour, texture and layers.
Beeswax is applied with a cloth for a soft satin finish. The wax is stable even in a Queensland climate.
Please note my paintings generally have a smooth profile without impasto technique.