Flow and Movement in Form

Some commissions hold a deeper connection to an artist’s journey. This round, 39” diameter walnut-framed artwork, shipped to Switzerland, is part of my Fenella Series—a collection that embodies fluidity, movement, and the organic rhythm of nature.

Bringing Movement to Life

The client requested a round composition, inspired by a previous artwork of mine, but with an emphasis on dynamic movement. Every piece in the Fenella Series is intuitive in its creation—crafted by meticulously selecting and placing each Cay Cay shell by size to achieve a sense of motion and depth. The natural variations in the shells allow the composition to shift and evolve, much like ripples in water or patterns in the sand shaped by the tide.

up close Fenella series

up close Fenella series

up close Fenella series

Collaboration and Craftsmanship

The walnut frame, expertly handcrafted by Elie, my trusted woodworker, was designed with a unique 1/4” thin face and an overall depth of 2”. Unlike traditional rectangular or square frames, this custom round frame enhances the organic movement within the composition, making it a rare and striking addition to the piece. Custom wooden round frames require precision, and this one was crafted to perfectly complement the artwork without overpowering it.

A Journey Across Continents

After being carefully packaged in a padded box, the artwork made its way from my studio to its new home in Switzerland. Upon arrival, the client shared, “It has arrived safely at my house and is so much prettier in real life than in pictures. I am absolutely delighted.”

The Essence of the Fenella Series

The Fenella Series reflects my own journey of working with nature’s elements to create movement through form. I have long admired the effortless flow in Fenella Elms’ ceramic work, and in a natural progression, I found myself gravitating toward arranging shells in a way that mirrors that same rhythm. Each piece in this series is created intuitively, allowing the composition to emerge organically, much like the elements of nature that inspire them.

These artworks can be crafted on a linen backer or framed in a custom wooden round frame, tailored to suit a client's specific needs. Whether small or large, the goal remains the same—to create a sense of movement that feels alive and flowing.