The Story Behind Four Seasons

I am thrilled to introduce The Four Seasons, my new collection of fine art giclée prints, a project that has grown and evolved over the course of an entire year - quite literally, four seasons. Throughout history, the Seasons have been a muse for some of my favourite artists and writers, like Alphonse Mucha with his “The Seasons” series.

I would like to share my personal journey.

It all started in late spring or early summer last year in London, and as the grey mist gave way to hints of blue, and the brown trees became punctuated with tiny bright green buds, I heard the muse whisper into my good ear (because it’s the only one I listen to).

I immersed myself into sketching and painting, fuelled by the season’s energy. I had never made giclée prints before, and I thought I would launch by the end of that summer, but it was a lot more involved than I had anticipated! The first artists proofs were exhibited at Melbourne Fringe Festival with my animation “Honey Bee”, and the feedback was encouraging.

 

my sketchbook

 

I wanted to see how these ladies would look in a larger format. In Germany that autumn, I worked amongst a riot of coloured leaves and berries, making new scans, testing more inks and papers with the printing lab there, and setting up an online system for taking orders. It felt like a mammoth project to do alone whilst trying to make other artwork and learn German at the same time!

Winter brought lessons in resilience. There was still so much to do. I felt blocked and I berated myself for not being able to move faster. I had a foot injury and I lost steam. In retrospect, I think I got burnt out, but I am happy to say that for once, I retreated to my cave to lick my wounds and gave myself time and space to think.

Spring came again, with its light and sunshine. I was able to pick up the thread once more, rekindling my initial spark and excitement. I got help to rehabilitate my injury and took my sketchbook outdoors to attune myself with nature again. I made many, many more test pieces in order to find the right printing lab and achieve the quality I wanted. I took small steps each day.

My sense of overwhelm slowly dissipated as we eased into summer and the threads came together. How can our senses feel anything but content amongst all those joyful flowers and all that soothing green.

Now, as we enter late summer and the start of autumn, my collection is finally completed and ready go out into the world! I’m a late bloomer, but I have grown through this creative cycle and I am proud to share my work with you below: 

 

The Four Seasons Collection

Each piece in this collection is a reflection on a quote by Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet and a favourite of mine. He often referred to the seasons, using them as metaphors for various stages of life, spiritual growth, and emotional states. The limited edition prints in this collection are available in four sizes, from A4 to A1. They are printed on beautiful heavyweight Hannemühle German Etching paper, which I found to be the best textured paper for capturing the pigments and feel of my originals. The originals were painted in watercolours from imagination. (Just click on an image if you want to be taken to the print.)

 

Spring: Rebirth and Renewal

“And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?” - Rumi

Spring represents fresh beginnings, where new ideas start budding. This piece embodies that sense of new life and adventure, much like how this project got reseeded.

 

Summer: Full Bloom and Abundance 

“Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” - Rumi

Summer is the season of flourishing, where ideas take full shape. This piece reflects the vibrant energy and joy of creation, just as I spent my summers bringing these ideas to life.

 

Autumn: Harvest and Flow

“The leaf falls, but the tree remains standing.” - Rumi

Autumn is about gathering the fruits of your labour. This piece is inspired by the season’s warmth and ease. Often, by the end of Summer, with the right amount of nurturing, there is something beautiful to harvest.

  

Winter: Rest and Contemplation

“Don’t think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It’s quiet, but the roots are down there riotous.” - Rumi

Winter brought challenges, but it also taught me the wisdom of slowing down growth for a while to reflect. Just like nature in its quietest season, my creativity rested. I thought, I clarified, and I refined. I healed and prepared for another cycle.

 

 

This collection is deeply personal, reflecting not just the cycles of nature but also my own creative process.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I wonder which season speaks to you the most. Do share your thoughts and experiences with me. You can connect with me via the contact form or on instagram @inkybrushes. 

Happy adventures!

Inky Mina x