These unique mixed media artworks explore the importance of healthy pollinator populations to maintain healthy ecosystems, and our interdependence upon these species to produce the fruits and vegetables we need to thrive.
Monarch Garden I (Variant 2 of 3)
Monarch Garden I (Variant 2 of 3)
Can you imagine the warmth of late summer sun shining gently on your skin, standing in a garden that hums with bees and soft wingbeats of Monarch butterflies? Can you imagine breaking off a milkweed leaf and feeling the sticky milky sap in your fingers and smelling the sweetness of blooming nectar flowers on the breeze? You feel a deep sense of reverence as the Monarch's life cycle unfolds in front of you, steady and fragile at the same time. Ivana expresses what she has patiently observed in her own garden, where monarchs return to lay their eggs and begin again. The vibrant orange and black of the butterfly backed with golden metal leaf shimmers against the soft, matte greens of milkweed hand-painted with watercolor, where edges show the evidence of a caterpillar’s chewing. From a nearby milkweed, you can see a Monarch cocoon dangling; it is a photo transfer on vellum backed with golden metal leaf. Because of that it the gold and green sparkles in the light, drawing your eye close. Ivana included plant pigment prints made from dye flowers grown in her garden in the artwork. The plants have impressed their textures into the paper. As the light shifts through the day, the contrasts between smooth and rough, matte and golden glow guide the eye from milkweed, to cocoon, to flowers, and to the monarch in flight. What remains is a quiet understanding that even the most delicate life holds extraordinary resilience and preciousness.
Imagine this contemplative artwork in your living room or bedroom, where it brings the outside into your home. Guests are drawn in, noticing the cocoon tucked among the leaves and the subtle chew marks the caterpillar left behind, and conversations begin about gardens, pollinators, and the unseen cycles that connect us. Collectors who value nature feel a sense of alignment, as this piece reflects care, awareness, and intentional living. It becomes more than something you display. It becomes something you return to, again and again to feel connected to something larger than yourself. This artwork delivers a grounding presence that reconnects you to seasonal rhythms and the impact of small actions. It celebrates the balance between fragility and resilience.
“Monarch butterflies lay their eggs only on milkweed. Once they hatch, the caterpillars rely on the plant for food. After they grow, they cocoon themselves and transform into butterflies. After pupating, they begin their incredible migration between North America and Mexico which takes multiple generations. In the garden, we grow milkweed and nectar producing flowers to support this delicate cycle because Monarch numbers have been in steep decline. I do my small part to help preserve the species with thoughtful plantings. In this artwork I feature the observations of the monarch life cycle that I have seen in our garden. As you look around the image you will see the monarch visiting our garden to feed and lay her eggs and the cocoon on the milkweed. If you look closely you can see where the caterpillar ate the milkweed leaves. ”
This 20" x 24" mixed media artwork is a hand made gelatin silver print on archival fiber based paper with photogram, plant pigment monoprints, watercolor paint, and pigment ink prints on acid free vellum backed with golden metal leaf, that are collaged onto the surface.
The archival fiber-based paper ensures longevity while the golden metal leaf backing on the butterfly and chrysalis creates a mesmerizing shimmering effect that changes throughout the day as light shifts. This is Variant 2 of only 3 unique versions, making it an exclusive opportunity to own a piece that documents the complete monarch lifecycle through multiple traditional and innovative techniques. The plant pigment prints are made from dye flowers grown in Ivana's own garden, connecting the artwork directly to the ecosystem it celebrates. The combination of handmade processes and sustainable materials aligns with the environmental philosophy expressed in the work itself. If you need help envisioning how it will look, a free digital mockup is available so you can see exactly how it will appear in your space before adding it to your collection. Contact Ivana for this service. The watermark visible online does not appear on the actual artwork.
