Search Results for: contemporary

Emerging from the small things of everyday

A richly layered mixed‑media artwork that invites viewers into a world of introspection and transformation. The central figure, seen from behind, gazes upward toward a luminous butterfly — a symbol of hope, curiosity, and personal evolution. Surrounding them is a vibrant collage of blues, purples, and textured panels featuring eyes, flowers, handwritten fragments, and abstract motifs. These elements create a sense of storytelling and discovery, echoing themes of “remembering,” “making sense of things,” and finding “the best place to begin.” The piece blends painting, collage, and drawing techniques to form a visually compelling and emotionally resonant work, perfect for collectors who appreciate symbolic art with depth, narrative, and contemporary craft.

Pearl Girl A Story Retold

In this painting, I revisit the life and work of Johannes Vermeer, weaving his 17th-century world into a contemporary narrative. At the centre is the iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring, surrounded by symbolic details—historical and modern —linked by a flowing blue silk that extends from her scarf.

This silk acts as a metaphorical thread, connecting memory, time, and imagination. Inspired by The Art of Painting, I echoed Vermeer’s painted curtain, reflecting our shared fascination with textiles and their emotional resonance. Fabric, for both of us, carries memory, identity, and meaning—echoes of family, place, and status.

I also reference the ‘Mahlstick’, a painter’s tool Vermeer depicted, reminding us of the quiet discipline behind each stroke. The Milkmaid appears too, transformed—her milk now a stream of pearls. Like the fabric, black and white ribbons twist into a modern hand-heart gesture, collecting precious pearls like moments of remembrance.

These contemporary elements speak to how stories evolve—how we gather beauty from the past and hold it gently in the present. This work is not simply homage; it is a dialogue across time—a continuation of Vermeer’s visual poetry, retold through a lens of personal memory and enduring beauty.

Venus

‘Fifty Shades of Venus-where Tears Become Pearls’ Inspired by The Birth of Venus (Aphrodite), this playful yet deeply personal reinterpretation presents Venus blindfolded as she dives into a contemporary sea of “fifty shades of grey.” Above her, the wind (god Zephyrus and Aura the nymph of the breeze) figures from Botticelli’s original painting continue to blow, symbolising the unseen forces of change that propel us toward new beginnings.

As Venus descends, tears running down her body transform into pearls gathered within the shell below—a quiet reflection on how moments of pain and uncertainty can, over time, create unexpected treasures. The work speaks of letting go of one life, sometimes unwillingly, and discovering that within the depths of the unknown lie new beauty, resilience and possibility.

The Lady with a Cockatoo

Celebrated for her wit, education, and poetry, Cecilia holds an ermine—a symbol of purity, as well as a clever play on her name and a tribute to her lover, known as “the White Ermine.”

In Leonardo’s original, the animal embodies purity and devotion; in my version, it is replaced by a white cockatoo, a lively emblem of Australia’s spirit. This transformation bridges Renaissance elegance with a contemporary Australian voice, shifting the meaning from courtly love to a celebration of freedom, resilience, and natural beauty.

Three Fires

This brings together the three fires elements from three different Aboriginal tribes.  Coming together to share song and music in a new contemporary show.

Three Fires connects Gugu Yalanji, Kamilaroi, Tongan, Jawoyn and Torres Strait Islander artists Jungaji, Radical Son and Candice Lorrae, bringing to the stage some of their best work spanning more than two decades in music.

Victoria Street Edinburgh – Original artwork.

Victoria Street, Edinburgh by Meredith Howse, is a beautiful painting that provides a realistic view of the famous street in Scotland. The artwork has a contemporary and impressionistic style, bringing a modern yet timeless feel to the landscape subject in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The colourful houses and shops, along with the vibrant flags, create a captivating scene filled with red and blue hues.
This large, impressive piece would look stunning in a living room, office, or entryway, bringing the beauty of Scotland into your home. The artwork’s realism invites you to step into the scene and experience the charm of Victoria Street.

  • This original artwork comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
  • The painting is beautifully framed in a natural oak wood floating frame.
  • Free delivery within Australia.

Bridge to Skye – Original artwork

Sligachan Old Bridge on Isle, a vibrant, atmospheric, contemporary landscape designed to uplift any space with its intriguing colours and brush stroke energy.

  • Accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
  • Artwork continues around the edges.
  • Free delivery within Australia.

Noosa Days – Original Artwork

‘Noosa Days’ by Meredith Howse is a vibrant and joyful contemporary piece designed to brighten any space with its many colours and uplifting energy.

  • Free delivery within Australia.
  • Artwork continues around the edges.
  • Accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity.

 

Boat Cottage – Original artwork

A contemporary stylised piece by Meredith Howse. Showcasing architecture of Hawthorne on the Brisbane River as seen from New Farm. Howse paints architecture in a minimalist/realistic style.

  • Black Meranti wood floating frame.
  • Comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
  • Free delivery within Australia.

 

Sydney Opera House

Inspired by the white sails of boats on beautiful Sydney Harbour the architecture of Sydney Opera House is captured here with textural, expressive brushstrokes to bring the artwork to life. The painting continues around the edges of the canvas.
A contemporary painting which features light blue, white, and yellow ochre tones. The artist’s impressionism style captures the building and its surroundings. Perfect for home decor or office spaces.