The “Cabbage & Lilac Roof” is a miniature house made from clay that features a composition of vegetable-styled decorations, small critters, and a fairy. The sculpture is asymmetrical and focuses on warm, autumnal colors, with primarily yellow and green tones. The sculpture takes almost full space within its boundary, as there are numerous small details that complement each other and create harmony between elements. Personally, I enjoyed seeing the peaceful scene that this piece of art portrays. The house is cozy and resembles many fairytale settings that transfer me back to my childhood.
This piece of art attracted my attention for its unique design and rustic appearance. A huge cabbage leaf that covers an elf’s house looked almost life-like and was the first item that drew me to this sculpture. Its form makes it clear that the artist is skilled in depicting nature. These miniature creatures also were a major attraction, as their looks made the artwork appear inhabited and almost real as if they were about to start slowly crawling across this artificial leaf. The shape of the house also made me want to explore it closer, as it was finely crafted and seemed as if it came from the past centuries.
I believe that the artist might have a similar reason for the purpose of their works. These houses create a fantasy environment that is tranquil and well-balanced. Nature is intricately incorporated into the overall design to show its vibrant colors. The coexisting creatures do not clash with the overall picture, as the author made it clear that they are at peace with each other. I think that Greenwade shows her admiration of the fine details that exist in the world around us through this composition. The fairy itself does not stand out but blends with the rest of the environment to show the artist’s idea of harmony.
In my perception, the connection between nature and the fantasy world shows Greenwade’s fascination with such a setting. Many other sculptures produced by the artist include a similar look that shares the overall theme of fairies and small critters that coexist peacefully within a location filled with forest greenery (Greenwade, n.d.). The green color dominates the exposition, highlighting this feature and inducing the emotions of calmness and serenity. The rustic look is created through uneven yet fitting stones in the building’s walls, and the elements, such as the leaves near the fairy and the shell at the top of the house, add nature to every aspect of this artwork. The weaving contours of the house itself indicate its alignment with the environment since it would contrast with the rest of the composition if it were more angular.
In conclusion, observing art in real life is an entirely different experience that allows onlookers to focus their attention on the details they personally see as paramount. Viewing this artwork live enables the audience to perceive the composition to its fullest, as such a complex sculpture is impossible to be fully understood through photos or video. A visit to a museum gives people a chance to observe each showpiece in the light intended by the author and note tiny details that reflect the slightest touch with excellent efficiency.
Reference
Greenwade, L. [HousesforToadsandFairies ]. (n.d.). Back to the Mud Pottery[Facebook page]. Facebook. Web.