Scarlett Raven & Marc Marot
Inside Scarlett’s childhood scrapbook, there are leaves from a willow tree. Between the ages of four and eleven, this noble figure was a source of comfort for the burgeoning artist, who used paint to express the words her dyslexia would not allow her to write. Following the recent launch of Portrait: The Reason Why I Paint and the last-ever instalment of the heart-breaking World War One project, The Danger Tree, Scarlett and her co-creator Marc Marot have returned with a series of paintings inspired by nature and poetry. Taking its title from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, The Eye of Heaven Shines draws upon Scarlett’s childhood and is influenced by artists including David Hockney and Anselm Kiefer. Exploring the geometry and science of patterns in nature, the emotive works feature secret layers of poetry and animation. “The colours are very bright, almost childish,” says Scarlett. “They remind you of being young and fearless in a time when everything was possible. When painting these trees, I’m painting friends. I feel like every branch has feelings and a story and meaning.”
Symbolising emotions and experiences, the works were originally created in oil paints and acrylics on canvas. Scarlett experimented with vertical landscapes, explaining: “The upright trees give a sense of alignment, protection and strength. I’m interested in how composition and colour create movement through the eyes of the viewer.” Poetry whispers through the pieces, giving the collection a unique voice. Scarlett says: “With poetry, your senses are activated and you can smell and taste your surroundings, like the wind on your face and the heat of the sun. That’s what paintings should do – make you feel alive. The artist and poet are opening up their heart and soul.” For Scarlett, these works provide a place to breathe and explore. The imaginary narratives create a feeling of truth and purpose, inviting viewers to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the world around them. She adds: “I feel like by exploring the trees in different seasons, temperatures and terrains, they have taken on different personalities. Together, they reveal incredible journeys of survival.”
The Stars Threw Down Their Spears (shown) Hand Embellished Boxed Canvas with Augmented Reality | Edition of 95 Image Size 101cm x 101cm | Framed Size 112cm x 112cm £1,950 Framed The Stars Threw Down Their Spears Hand Varnished Canvas on Board with Augmented Reality | Edition of 195 Image Size 36cm x 36cm | Framed Size 51cm x 51cm £250 Framed
108 FINE ART COLLECTOR SPRING/SUMMER 2020
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