I really enjoyed designing around these Antique Chinese portraits, juxtaposing something a little edgy with the more formal image. Originally, this silk painting was attached to an edging of floral silk "matting". With age and poor preservation, the bordering material had badly discolored. Once removed, I added gold leaf to the edges of the remaining silk and floated it over raw canvas that I hand painted in orange. I have sewn sporadic knots and strings of red silk thread and dipped the ends in gold. To me they resemble fireworks, and I love the randomness they bring in contrast to the static painting. Utilizing the stacking technique, I paired a red lacquered frame with a fluted, gold leafed frame to create this stunning piece.
