Artist: Elisabeth Ladwig
Title: Benevolent World!
Medium: Photo Collage on Watercolor Paper
Dimensions: 18"h x 12"w
Limited edition of 28; piece is unframed. Also available framed. Limited editions available in 4 other sizes.
"A butterfly is most commonly known for its metamorphosis, for its complete transformation into one of the most treasured sights of the warmer seasons. It brings joy to young and old alike. But unbeknownst to itself, it is doing so much more. Pollination doesn’t happen intentionally; it is simply what happens when pollinators feed on nectar. They get yellow dirt on their legs and just keep going, gifting the world with a seemingly endless variety of vegetation. What if we did the same? What if we were so devoted to a certain lifestyle that helping others to thrive was just a matter of course? It’s easy to forget, when the world seems overtaken by violence and intolerance. But we are here now, and through the centuries, compassion has held together the fabric of humanity. The foundation of a benevolent world is steadfast." Elisabeth Ladwig
"Benevolent World!" depicts a serene and whimsical scene. In the foreground, we see a woman from behind, seated on the grass, dressed in a black dress with butterfly motifs. In addition, it also resembles the wings of a butterfly, with similar patterning, showcasing a connection with these delicate creatures. Her long, dark hair is draped down her back, and her arms are raised above her head, releasing a group of Monarch butterflies into the sky. The butterflies are captured at various points of flight, some close to her hands and others further away, creating a sense of movement during their flight. The background features a lush green meadow peppered with yellow flowers, and a solitary small tree with pale blossoms occupies the left side of the photograph. Further back, on a gently sloping hill, animals graze, oblivious to the magical display of nature occurring in the foreground. The sky above is a soft, painterly blend of pale yellow and blue, with a few wisps of white clouds, enhancing the overall dreamy, pastoral atmosphere of the scene.