Description
The Tension of Beauty and Destruction: A New Artistic Journey
Discover a powerful exploration of human duality through my latest mixed media series, where the serene beauty of bonsai trees meets the haunting presence of nuclear clouds.
A Complex Visual Dialogue
In this series, I deconstruct and merge the elegance of bonsai with the stark imagery of atomic clouds. Each piece speaks to the tension between creation and destruction, revealing a profound commentary on our capacity for both.
Expressive Art with Depth
Every painting in this collection captures a unique narrative—one that delves into the struggle between the sublime and the horrific. These works are a reflection of my deep connection with the subject matter, reimagined to evoke both beauty and unease.
Rooted in Bonsai Aesthetics
While my previous work celebrated the pure form of bonsai, this series extends beyond to question the human condition. The bonsai remains a central figure, but now it shares space with a symbol of ruination, creating a powerful contrast.
From Concept to Creation
Beginning with hand-drawn sketches and enhanced through digital manipulation, these artworks evolve into rich, mixed media pieces. Using watercolors, printmaking, acrylics, and pastels, I bring each vision to life, balancing tradition with modernity.
Enduring Artworks
Each piece in this collection is a museum-quality, original creation, meticulously crafted and protected with a durable varnish to ensure it resonates for years to come.
Artist Statement
My artwork is an original and is an expression of the beauty of Bonsai. I am fascinated by bonsai and I get a pleasure from trying to authentically and sincerely depict the aesthetic form. I have been doing bonsai for over 20 years and creating artwork of the form for the same amount of time. It is a part of me.
My work always includes strong Bonsai forms, and uses the object to express the idea of beauty and balance in harmony of my aesthetic and nature. It is how my soul expresses itself by portraying a beauty bonsai – then modifying it to express my feelings and passions. There must be a connection between the subject matter of a painting I’m creating and my feelings and attitudes about that subject. In general, I strive to be more expressive and thoughtful about my work.
‘Bonsai’ is a Japanese word, which means essentially a ‘Tree in a Dish’. The growth of the art of Bonsai in Japan is from this simple concept. The focus is on the tree itself and not on any ornamentation. The purity of form and expression of age is key in its aesthetics. This etching is from a sketch made of an actual Bonsai tree. From the sketch I tried to exaggerate the form and expression of the Bonsai and the Bonsai Artist.
To make a mixed media artwork I often start with a watercolor and then begin build the textures up using printmaking techniques. I then begin to hand painting using acrylics and drawing with pastels. I mound the work on a board and varnish for protection and to bring out the best in the colors and textures.
Other bonsai related artwork can be found at https://www.reekersart.com/product-category/prints/
Social Media
You Tube – https://www.youtube.com/ronreekers ; Here you can see me in the process of making a Bonsai Etching
Instagram @ronreekers; Here you will see my latest Artwork and Bonsai work
Facebook – ronreekers and reekersart
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/ronreekers; Where as low as $3 month you can become a patron and get a free print on your yearly patronage.
