STORY BEHIND THE ART OF JOHN PASTORIZA-PIÑOL

18th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at The Horticultural Society of New York

Magnolia 

Magnolia ‘Vulcan’

An earlier work of mine touched on the context of self. Having turned 40 this year, I am becoming more aware of my next stage of life and looking at decoupling my dependence on my current situation and I wanted to explore this narrative further. It was fitting that I should also embark on creating a significant work which would embody my skills as an artist. The resulting painting of Magnolia ‘Vulcan’ is strongly autobiographical and is one of my most ambitious works to date. The philosophy behind this work explores the identity of self and that we are all shaped by the following factors: time, fate and freedom. We may not be able to influence or control these factors and their predetermination fashions us.

Yearly I anticipate the blooming of the deciduous Magnolia, a true harbinger of late winter/early spring. The flamboyant blooms which erupt from gnarly/ brown or grey stems reflect the promise of prosperousness. Magnolia ‘Vulcan’ was an ideal subject choice for its fervent colour. I selected a branch to accurately reflect the many avenues which I have pursued in my career, each culminating in a triumphant bloom or a burgeoning bud. The potential for infinite growth of the tree through successive buds gives me hope that my career will persist and that I will improve with every success and continue to strive for excellence.

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Read more about this artist's work: 17th Annual International