Artifice Poster

A detailed black and white line drawing showcases a large clematis bloom with several buds and leaves. The central bloom is prominently depicted with flowing petals and intricate detailing.

This ink illustration is part of a series called "Artifice, Ingenuity and Mental Beauty," named for the symbolism of the clematis flower. The inspiration for these pieces came from photos of a beautiful purple clematis taken on my daily walk, and are all drawn using India ink on Opalux vellum presented in a black frame with white mat. The definition of artifice is "clever or artful skill," which this climbing vine must have as it doesn’t have the advantage of tendrils or aerial rootlets to climb vertically. Instead, their leaf stems reach out for objects such as wood or metal to wrap around.

There is beauty in any moment. Even in the smallest things. Even when you aren't expecting it. Beauty right beside you every day. It is sometimes hidden. Other times it is staring you in the face or whispering in your ear even though you might not see or hear it. Catherine Bede's art and music invites you to notice this beauty in your own life. To take it in. To feel its warmth. To breathe in the space that it creates for you. To open your awareness and discover that no matter what, this beauty is always here if you only take the moment and look. BIO Pacific University graduate Catherine Bede is the Owner & Director of Catherine Bede Gallery, specializes in botanical & still-life art in watercolor and pen & ink, and teaches...