ClaireBanksCornwall

Eyes wide open

My very first big eyed girl (titled Sunni Helix) was painted in 2007, she was also the instigator of my stylised butterflies who appeared within her hair. Over the years these butterflies have appeard in many of my paintings. To me they symbolise presence & happiness in the moment. One of my grandmothers favorite quotes was: 'happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it the more it will elude you but if you turn your attention to other things it comes and quietly sits on your hand.'

My big eyed girls represent an openness to life itself, vulnerable but also fearless, and an innocence that can easily become tainted and wild.