Portfolio > Between two Islands

Fertility and Fortitude puts together two important symbols: a Mycenaean votive figurine and Scotland's emblem: the thistle. I wanted to show how making new things and keeping them safe work together. The Mycenaean goddess stands for the very start of life, how nature goes through its cycles, and old wisdom from the earth. She's about creating. Behind her, the thistle means being tough, standing firm, and keeping what's truly valuable safe. By putting these two side by side, I want to suggest that creation isn't weak; it's actively looked after and kept well. This painting is about how life, wisdom, and our history last over time, showing that new beginnings are made strong by careful looking after.