These artworks are part of the Sustain series. To connect the themes in my project to the history of American vegetable gardening, especially the WWII era victory gardens, where Americans grew 60% of their produce during the war, Ivana creates artworks with a vintage aesthetic. She wants to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when more people grew food in the backyard and community gardens. Ivana innovated a technique using mixed media and digital photography image transfer on aluminum to create these unique artworks in warm tones that recall the historic tintype process. Subtle inclusions of the contemporary urban environment connect us from our past to our present and the artworks highlight a means to a more sustainable future. To learn more click here to read the full artist statement
The Cheeky Watermelon in July
The Cheeky Watermelon in July
Nature has a sense of humor. This watermelon grew through a chain link fence and shaped itself into a perfect heart. Ivana discovered it one July morning in her garden and burst out laughing. Instead of fighting the obstacle, the watermelon vine embraced it and created something unexpectedly beautiful. Warm sepia tones evoke a vintage photograph from another era. Soft light washes over the watermelon's striped surface. Delicate fuzzy tendrils curl around the chain link contrasting the texture of the glossy heart shaped watermelon. Ivana created this artwork using an innovative mixed media technique, pouring acrylic paint onto an aluminum plate and transferring a digital photograph onto the surface. This makes the surface three dimensional and each piece in this limited edition varies slightly because of this handmade process.
Envision this playful artwork in your kitchen or dining space. It becomes an instant conversation starter. Your guests will smile when they notice the heart shaped watermelon. Collectors who are gardeners tell me this piece reminds them of their own garden surprises. Those moments when plants do something completely unexpected. This artwork celebrates the love of growing and eating good food with humor and joy.
“I named this artwork “The Cheeky Watermelon in July”, because of its unique shape. This sugar baby watermelon managed to squeeze itself into the fence and grow into the shape of a heart. I noticed it one day when harvesting eggplants which you can see in the gathering apron. It was well anchored in there so I let it keep going about its’s business spreading the love around the garden! ”
This signed and numbered limited edition mixed media 8" x10" artwork is part of the Sustain series, created with archival materials for lasting beauty. It is coated in an UV light protection spray. Only 20 will ever be handmade by Ivana. Due to the handmade process, expect the edges of the image to vary slightly. The watermark is only for internet display and will not be on your art. There is a slight surface texture which results in small highlights when photographed. If you need help to envison how it will look a free digital mockup is available so you can see exactly how it will look in your space before adding it to your collection. Contact Ivana for this service.
Currently no. 1/20 is available
