2025

Oil, tempura and silver leaf on wood panel

50x70cm

This painting explores the impulsive optimism often present at the beginning of new ventures, whether personal, professional, or creative. The central figure, rises from the bottom of the panel with outstretched wings, suggesting ambition and momentum. Her ascent is supported by a mosaic of traditional Romanian symbols: wheat (abundance), an all-seeing eye (spiritual awareness), ram’s horns (strength), and a stylized “L” (referencing the title). While these motifs reflect hope and resilience, the figure’s instability points to the unsustainable nature of unchecked confidence and lack of foresight.

The dominant red palette is punctuated by black, turquoise, and pale yellow, evoking the texture and movement of feathers. Silver leaf is used across the surface particularly in the central and upper areas, to unify the composition. Relief and graffito techniques in tempera add visual depth, while the silver patterns within the wings direct the viewer’s attention across the work. Together, these elements suggest a brief, intense rise that ultimately lacks grounding.