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THE ARTIST'S STORY

Lorna Livey

My Metamorphosis series repurposes work from over 45 years as a printmaker into new art which is environmentally friendly with as little waste as possible. Some of the upcycled art dates back to the mid-seventies when I studied Fine Art at York University. Using my photos as a reference, I draw the butterflies on blocks of softoleum and cut the design with gouges. I ink the blocks using oil-based ink leftover from previous projects and print them on my proofs and surplus etchings, woodcuts and paper-based art. I cut out the butterflies with scissors and paint the edges of the paper with black watercolour. Then I sew together the scraps of paper left from cutting out the butterflies to make backgrounds for them and also use the offcuts to make other art in this series. Butterflies are a symbol of rebirth, in some cultures representing the souls of the departed. In the mountain area in Mexico where the monarchs overwinter after their long flight from Canada, their arrival coincides with the Day of the Dead. When I’m travelling, the appearance of a butterfly reassures me that no harm will come to me. This series brings attention to the effect of environmental degradation on species such as butterflies. My daughter has grown a pollinator garden, and we give nature a helping hand by raising and releasing monarchs each summer. The mandala form originates from Eastern religions and art. Mandalas are traditionally a focus for meditation, a gateway from the outer world which embraces the universe to the inner spiritual realm. Butterflies live on this planet but their existence is threatened by humans' lack of spiritual strength evidenced by overconsumption and a disregard for the natural world.