Bio-tiques
These playful, compact works of art are based on biotic details and nature entities. The word “bio-tique” is a word created by the artist, whereby the idea of biotics (biology) and antiques (the past) come together in a sort of manifesto to environmental issues. Watch for unexpected orbs or hidden earth entities in these small-sized, intimate pieces.
Vaughan has a mania for circles – in reference to the earth as a blue marble or feminine circle of its own. (Mother Earth) Therefore, marbles, pods, knobs and other circular forms are sometimes combined with her modern painting style. Her work is not about assemblage. It is about painting in a way to communicate messages relating to Man’s conflict with or connection to Nature.
earth song
35 x 9”
acrylic on wood with vintage piano toy
800.
A 1960’s children’s piano toy sits atop this playful piece as a green frog resonates a beat in the brambles. The whole point here, despite a humorous take on art, is the living sound or music of the earth.
conchord
28 x 8”
acrylic on wood with jukebox topper
800.
A hummingbird camouflages itself in abundant brambles in this painting. An old jukebox topper that once played music accompanies the image. The melody of the earth is at play here. Amid the thick undergrowth, is a constant rhythm of life.
spelling bee
16.5 x 6.5”
acrylic on wood within child’s spelling game
300.
This retro children’s spelling game is the perfect frame for the bee whose actions are vital to almond crop, plant life and our own balanced existence. What is the word for love and care for Mother Earth? Stewardship? Awareness? Environmentalist? It is one thing to spell these words, another to live them.
midnighter
16 x 6”
acrylic on wood in yellow school bus mirror
700.
This little owlet is an ode to the late night hour when all kinds of wildlife abounds. Housed in an old school bus rear view mirror, ironic thoughts turn to vision and awareness – two words that could also be used to discuss behavior from Man towards the all-too-ignored environment.
sprig | SOLD
8 x 12”
acrylic on wood within old swivel frame bars
450.
This fat chickadee lands across fertile field on a sprig of of pause. He acts as a simple reminder to pay attention to the small details of delight and living beauty around us at all times.
tipster | SOLD
10.5 x 10.5”
acrylic on wood within vintage biscuit tin
600.
A yellow canary or gold finch is known for many things - for being the bird of Christ and the Resurrection, for being the sacrificed indicator of bad air in mines, and a slang term for a gangster who squeals. For a small songbird, that’s a load to carry alongside Man and the human condition. Let its beauty abound.
two hope | SOLD
19 x 10”
acrylic on wood within metal tray with two rings
550.
Cardinals are often called “harbingers of faith” as they land and go about their lives on earth. Some say they appear at moments of passage and transition, messaging that loved ones are near despite their leaving. Two red rings dangle from this vintage metal framework as metaphor to the hope we carry about the mystery of the life cycle.
magic hour
13.5 x 10.5”
acrylic on wood within vintage Hummel shadow box
600.
This low brow frame that originally held an Emil Fink Verlag illustration, but now holds a painting of a forest moon, is a humorous take on Nature. This hand-crafted scene from Germany seemed just right for a comical, visual moment.
ruffle
25 x 12.5”
acrylic on wood
600.
A hawk feather lands in the brambles as we ponder the history using Nature as muse. Not to ruffle feathers, but Victorian hats often used the plume of birdlife to adorn their tastes. This small ode to the tuft that allows creatures to lift-off, float and fly, has memorized humans for centuries.
scamp
17.5 x 4.5”
acrylic on wood within vintage bottle cap opener
300.
Sometimes an idea makes you laugh out loud. After years of watching raccoons integrate onto Man’s turf, usually late at night, this piece sent a humorous signal about commercial discard over discord.
spring cleaning | SOLD
13.5 x 10.5”
acrylic on wood within 1950’s Hummel shadow box
600.
This ultimately kitsch blend of an Emil Fink Verlag shadow box and a painting of a robin should make you laugh as much as catch you off guard. Spring has sprung large on cleaning day.
wade | SOLD
6 x 7.5”
acrylic on wood within old biscuit tin
300.
A frog wades in the mire, making eye contact with us. When we come upon these camouflaged creatures and happen to catch a glimpse of them, it is an indication that the water and soil are good. There is goodness in the sound of the amphibian.
green peace | SOLD
14 x 22”
acrylic on wood within vintage double biscuit tin
1200.
A pair of peaceful loons form a heart-shape position floating on water in this old double-windowed biscuit tin. The scene within manmade nostalgia is tranquil amid the fullness of green.
tuft | SOLD
12 x 11”
acrylic on wood within vintage swivel frame
300.
In the 1930-40’s these wooden swivel frames were in every home. The design on this one, inspired the tuft or winged feeling of the tit mouse, pausing to take us in. He playfully reminds up to slow down, pay attention, especially to the beauty of the earth.
woodstar | SOLD
9.5 x 7”
acrylic on wood within vintage stand
325.
A fleeting hummingbird stops for a brief moment on a branch in this little hillside scene. The jewel-toned creature reminds us to look for the small, simple things in life. They hold, carry and emulate the secret to happiness.
biddy | SOLD
18 x 12”
acrylic on wood with vintage red metal emblem
700.
This retro FARMALL emblem inspired an ode to a chicken in the scratch. Chickens have personality and this one needed to strut her attitude.
barnie | SOLD
10.5 x 10.5”
acrylic on wood within vintage biscuit tin
600.
A white barn owl, a most mysterious bird, pauses at twilight within a vintage commercial tin. The old Nabisco logo almost looks like an owl as we ponder Man alongside Nature in this unconventional combo.
espy | SOLD
10.5 x 10.5”
acrylic on wood within vintage biscuit tin
600.
An alert barn owl observes our activity, against a back drop of dark night. Something very curious and mystifying happens between winged creatures and human beings when we are caught in stare down.
over the rainbow | SOLD
10.5 x 10.5”
acrylic on wood within old biscuit tin plus vintage marbles
600.
A bluebird of happiness pauses against a landscape of fertile earth and moving currents. His bright blue color enlivens the vignette. Three marbles roll across the skyline as metaphor to the blue marble we live on.
toad rage | SOLD
18 x 5”
acrylic on wood with automobile display parts
1,000.
Rain is spitting moisture as a fat toad lingers in the damp undergrowth. Seedling, air bubble and pod mix with his camouflaged appearance. He stares us down, acting as a wise old soul up against our inability to recognize the importance of the biotic world.
little prince | SOLD
10.5 x 10.5”
acrylic on wood within vintage biscuit tin
600.
A kinglet darts into the scene, aware of our presence. The landscape background reminds us to pay attention to the natural world, where lessons of quietude versus haste can be found.
red rover | SOLD
10.5 x 10.5”
acrylic on wood within old biscuit tin
600.
A sandhill crane struts across a paddock within this man-made old tin. This ancient bird has a way of cheering us up with an ornithological sense of humor and beautiful crimson crown.
pip | SOLD
10.5 x 10.5”
acrylic on wood within vintage biscuit tin
600.
The weathered flaws on this old tin inspired the whiteness of a fleeting sparrow on a moss-laden perch. To place this nester in an old advertisement display, plays homage to the idea of Man alongside Nature.