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The work is inspired by the Kelowna (British Columbia) Fire of 2003. It shows the underlying unity and harmony of Nature in all its phases. Many elements do not survive the testing power of fire but others thrive stronger than ever. Autobiographical.
In this set, Cecile Jacobs uses sheers on top of cotton fabrics, Setacolor paint on fabric for the landscape details and Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic for the Celtic overlay. The apron of decomposition in the foreground of PROLIFERATION is created by the effects of a soldering iron upon black satin.
Nature at its richest and most mature with all elements interconnected by the Spirit of Life. Yet in Nature’s perfection lies the seed of destruction shown here in the beginnings of spontaneous fire.
Fire consumes the bounty of Nature but is itself part of Nature’s design and plan. The Spirit of Life heralds a power for good. Some elements do not survive; others such as the Lodge Pole Pine only release their seeds under the greatest heat of fire. Such a seed is represented by the complete Yin-Yang, the symbol of the balance of the Universe.
After devastation, Nature rebuilds itself with freshness, often stronger than ever and thrives in new directions. The focus of Life can therefore shift after devastation. There is also a passing reference here to the prolific poppies of Flanders Fields which thrived amidst the devastation and blackened tree stumps of World War I. Life continues in endless permutations, underpinned by the Spirit of Life.
