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
Harvesting Rainbow Swiss Chard in August
Harvesting Rainbow Swiss Chard in August
You step into the garden in early morning light and notice the chard leaves glowing as sun filters through them. Can you imagine the satisfying snap as you break crisp jewel-toned stems from the plant? Picture the weight of your harvest basket growing heavier in your arms as you gather more glossy leaves while bumblebees buzz past on their rounds. The dark red stems and veins against the luminous green leaves translate to contrast that glows with backlight in this warm-toned monochromatic composition. The smooth, luminous surface of the mixed media with photo transfer contrasts with the raw aluminum edges that frame this abundant harvest moment. This artwork expresses the generous abundance that keeps producing throughout summer and the edible beauty that inspires as much as it nourishes.
Imagine this vibrant artwork in your kitchen or dining room, where it celebrates vegetables as beautiful as any flower arrangement. Guests notice the butterfly-patterned skirt and discuss the essential role of pollinators in producing such abundant harvests. The piece sparks conversations about growing rainbow chard varieties or the satisfaction of harvesting from your own garden week after week. This artwork celebrates the continuous generosity of summer crops and the inspiration found in their stunning beauty.
“My inspiration often comes from the lighting! A part of my creative process is to enter my garden during the time of day when the light is best either around 1 hour after sunrise or 2 hours before sunset – I examine which vegetables are looking the most beautiful and ripe. Here, the early morning light shone through the Swiss Chard leaves, imparting an ethereal glow, and revealing that they needed to be harvested. To make this image I chose to wear a skirt featuring butterflies to highlight the importance of pollinators in helping to produce the abundant fruits and vegetables we need to thrive.”
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. 2/20 is available for you to enjoy.
