Moving On – No. 5 / 18 – SOLD

As with many of Elisabeth Lawrence’s works, the pieces carry meanings. In this etching “Moving On” Elisabeth explains that how we view life can often be a matter of perception. In this image there are birds of prey snapping at the little fish. Whilst potentially frightening for the fish above, the snapping of the birds is a normal part of life and their actions are a natural instinct of survival.  The scene shows that while life can at times be overwhelming, rather than be swallowed by that emotion and become powerless to change our circumstance, it’s a good idea to simply move on, as the fish is doing with his suitcase.

Additionally, each bird is adorned with its own organic pattern to represent the organisms of life and creation. The organic patterns on each bird are, from left to right: Gems and stones which represent earth; Leaves representing flora and life; Seeds and worms to represent recycling and regrowth; Shells to symbolise the marine environment; Flowers to represent pollination; Vines and fruit to show sustainability; Mango shaped patterns to convey fertility; and Cells to represent microorganisms. 

Created on a copper plate and inked on quality Hahnemuhle paper, this etching won a printmaking prize this year (2018) in Newcastle.