Description
Tribute to the Sunflower – Steffie van den Akker 2025
This vase. A tribute to the sunflower. Never before have I experienced the process of a plant growing so consciously as I did this year. I can still see them standing at Bart's place, just sprouted, tiny, the seed still visible in the soil. They stayed small for only a short time.
They grew into sun shrubs and sun trees, with dozens of flowers on them. I enjoyed them all summer long, not only for the beautiful flowers but also for all the little creatures that came to visit. First, various insects, including a beautiful and rare species of bee.
And now that most of the flowers have bloomed, there are sparrows and goldfinches feasting on the seeds, and blackbirds on the ground enjoying the leftovers. And not to forget, the little rodents that live in my garden.
I create vase artwork without a pre-conceived idea. My inspiration comes from what I see in nature: shapes and lines, colors, stones and rocks, water and waves, flowers, plants...
During the creation process, it often takes a certain direction, and in this case, I knew halfway through that I had a sunflower in my mind. And not without reason, of course.
After about 12 hours of work, it's finished, and I'm really happy with the result.
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