Description
‘As It Was’ by E. E. Kono
Artist: E. E. Kono
Title: ‘As It Was’
Medium: Egg Tempera on Traditional Icon Board
Dimensions: 9.75″ x 8.25″ x 1″ (with rounded bottom)
Framing: Unframed – Ready to hang
Year of Creation: 2022
About the Artwork:
“The painting, ‘As It Was’, depicts a stylized lion with red poppies. The form, inspired by ancient representations found in both the east and west, is imbued with apotropaic properties intended to protect and shield the viewer from evil. Poppies are symbolic of peace but also associated with the blood of soldiers, the sacrifice of innocence, addiction, and colonialist greed. Recognizing the pivotal role of precious metals in the development of modern trade routes, a fully rendered silverpoint drawing forms the foundational layer of the image. The process then involves layering a translucent mixture of egg yolk and raw pigments chosen for their purity of color, geographic, historical, and symbolic associations.” – E. E. Kono
About the Artist:
(Artist Bio)
Kono’s work explores the fluidity of culture and time, encouraging reflection on how we are connected to nature, the past, and each other. Growing up, Kono’s family split their time between a diverse international community and small-town, middle America. The experience developed a life-long interest in how stories and symbols create meaning that is interwoven between societies. Initially, this inspired a career in children’s literature, writing and illustrating picture books. Now, she explores that imagery using ancient techniques and materials to create detailed, precise paintings that connect universal symbols and mythologies encountered in her travels and through the mixed heritage of her family.