Penny Otto

Like a butterfly itself this series came out of the blue. It was not my idea.

A friend commissioned the work. Having raised butterflies in the past I had to accept but I saw it as tricky subject. How to avoid cutesy?

A cloud helped me get started – there was a beautiful swan shaped cloud which seemed to be diving towards the earth; and with its soft edges it was easy to imagine leaves and stems as well. So with wet paper, acrylics and inks I was away. The twelve requested works developed slowly but steadily.

Another challenge then arose with a second request from the donor, who sought “a place of healing to hang these artworks.”

To my enormous pleasure Auckland Hospital has accepted them.