While I’ve greatly enjoyed creating these pieces and still feel connected to the stories they tell, their level of complexity and material costs mean I probably won’t be repeating them. The good news is this makes them truly unique artworks that will bring their owners an increase in value over time. I may still feel inspired to improve on these designs as part of different exhibition concepts in the future.

Garden Party

The word “paradise” originates in Persian, meaning “an enclosed garden.” I gave this Persian-style set to Ruth and Alex, a couple living on the Welsh-English border who hosted me during a conference in 2011. There is an interesting connection between my design and the Númenor-Atlantis illustration above the fireplace, even though this was my first visit to their home.

Whispers the Voice of The Sea

I designed this set based on impressions from my travel to Rome in 2009. Mihai Eminescu, the famous Romanian poet, evokes the legendary origins of Rome as a thought in the mind of the brilliant Emperor whose fate he often follows in his poems. Rome was known to have greatly respected and been inspired by Dacian teachers (Geti or Getae), here represented by the Wolf-Mother. The Gnostics’ Chnoubis or Kanobis is likewise the Dacian Wolf-Dragon.

Romanes eunt domus!

Cinemagic

Inspired by the magic of George Méliès’s cinematography, whose mermaid and wizard friends in the audience were always treated to the enjoyment of their true natures in his films.

The Dream Flower

The spider is the symbol of the Virgin Goddess and its web represents the protective magic woven into and around the land. The constellation Draco shimmers above, awakening the Dragon-riders.