Honouring Stevie Nicks: A Special Cyanotype Commission
I’m quite selective about the commissions I take on; it has to be a figure who genuinely inspires me, someone whose essence I can truly capture in my favoured medium—cyanotype. This time, the request came from the husband of a regular collector as a surprise gift, and it felt like the perfect match.
The piece was unveiled in a truly memorable way. At The Other Art Fair LA, I hung it as part of my exhibition, where she discovered it unexpectedly. Watching her reaction was a heartwarming moment—this artwork found its place with a wonderful collector.
The artwork is titled Bella Donna – The White Witch Ascends (Stevie’s Song). It’s a 3D papercut cyanotype, delicately finished with 24ct gold leaf to give it that magical touch.
I incorporated various elements that resonate with Stevie’s iconic presence. Several species of doves appear in the image, symbolising peace and freedom, while a photograph of a notebook represents her songbook and creative research. I also photographed and drew belladonna—nightshade flowers, leaves, and berries—tying the image to her first solo album, Bella Donna.
Fireflies are sprinkled throughout the composition as a nod to her song "Fireflies," and there are references to her mystical themes with connections to the goddess Rhiannon, evoking the powerful, feminine energy that Stevie so often channels. Her fascination with fantasy, witchcraft, and the ethereal runs through the piece, making it a fitting tribute to her legacy.
To complete the piece, I ensured the framing was equally considered and bespoke. The artwork is presented in a handmade frame, using high-quality finishes. The wooden frame is primed, sanded, and sprayed with white paint for a premium look. All of my frames include museum-grade, 2mm thick anti-reflective UV glazing, which protects the artwork while reducing glare. The artwork itself floats above a snow-white mount, accentuating the texture of the paper and highlighting the deckled edges—adding an extra layer of elegance. I believe the frame should elevate the art, not just serve a functional role, and I avoid standard, cheap options to ensure each piece feels truly special.
I couldn’t be more thrilled with the result. It's always special when a commission aligns so naturally with my artistic vision, and even more so when it resonates with a collector who shares a passion for the work.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.