“My Inner Garden” is a series of four mosaic panels paying tribute to Pierre Bonnard’s iconic work Women in the Garden. More than a simple interpretation, each panel is an open window onto the different seasons of life, the defining hours of a day, and above all, the personal milestones that have shaped my journey as an artist.
Inspired by Bonnard’s four-paneled composition, his Japonist aesthetic, and his subtle symbolism, I have transposed my own experiences and emotions into this ancient art form—mosaic.
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Each panel is a mosaic of memories, passions, and reflections, using the richness of materials—smalti, glass paste, cabochons—to bring to life an intimate and universal narrative.
Spring: “Blossoming in Asia”
This first panel captures the energy and freshness of my youth, a period of blossoming symbolized by my formative year-long journey through Asia. Like a flower opening in spring, this voyage was essential in shaping my passion for art—particularly for the aesthetics of Japonism that shine through in Bonnard’s work. The patterns and colors evoke Japanese prints: simplified and vibrant. The materials used are luminous and full of promise, reflecting the enthusiasm and discovery of this stage in my life, between the ages of 20 and 30, when the seeds of my artistic calling were sown.
Summer: “Paris, Noukie’s Shadow”
The second panel represents the fullness of summer, a period I associate with my years in Paris. The central figure, seated in the shade of a stylized tree, is accompanied by my cat Noukie. This image evokes quiet afternoons and the gentle companionship he offered me after long days of work in the vibrant capital. The colors are richer and the textures denser, reflecting the warmth of summer and the stability of that decade (ages 30–40). Noukie’s presence, my faithful companion, anchors this panel in a sense of intimacy and comfort.
Winter: “Lucky’s Andalusian Energy”
The third panel, representing winter, is brightened by the energetic presence of my dog Lucky, a lively Andalusian mix. This scene recalls my years spent in Andalusia, where Lucky’s bold playfulness brought joy to my days. In contrast to the coldness often associated with winter, this panel is invigorated by movement and vitality, symbolizing the joy and warm companionship of this period of my life (ages 40–50). The colors may be earthier, but they’re accented with vibrant touches reflecting Lucky’s playful spirit.
Autumn: “The Gentle Transition”
The final panel is a meditation on autumn, my favorite season and a metaphor for the stage of life I anticipate at age 50. Like the leaves of a tree glowing in fiery colors before falling, this piece symbolizes a time of transition, reflection, and preparation for a new phase. The mood evokes a fading afternoon, filled with soft melancholy and contemplative serenity. The colors are warm and deep, expressing the beauty of change and the wisdom gained. It is a moment of inner renewal, of shedding certain leaves to make room for a new cycle—like nature’s retreat in winter and the promise of another spring.
Conclusion:
Through these four mosaic panels, My Inner Garden offers a personal and emotional interpretation of Bonnard’s work. By weaving together the threads of my own experiences with the symbols of the seasons and the hours of the day, I hope to create pieces that resonate with each viewer’s sensitivity and celebrate the beauty and richness of life’s journey.
Inspirational Artwork:
Source painting from the Musée d’Orsay – Pierre Bonnard – Women in the Garden