The butterfly entered into my life unexpectedly.
It was given to me by Bill Plympton as one of the characters to design and animate for Guard Dog Global Jam, in 2011.
I made a twirly butterfly and I animated her to escape the barking guard dog.
I enjoyed it very much, I was in the flow.
Years later my colleague told me she really liked it, so it became my logo.
Last week my friend Federica told me that while cleaning her bedroom, she found the book "Breaking the habit of being yourself", that I gifted her in 2019, and on the back, there was a sticker with my butterfly logo.
"Una, you should do more with the butterfly, it’s free like you."
Ok, thank you Federica for the input, let’s talk about butterflies.
For me butterflies are about beauty, transformation, and yes, freedom.
The first artworks I made with origami butterflies are called “First flight”.
And flying is wonderful, and it makes us see new possibilities.
The caterpillar can not fly, and it transforms inside the chrysalis, and when it emerges as butterfly, is able to fly.
And it’s free.
I made children versions, that are in my boys’ bedroom, showing the flying path with twirly lines, and adult versions, with more lines, like abstract paintings.
The traditional origami butterfly has a triangular shape, and I played with this geometry, experimenting different patterns.
This is "3 Butterflies" - Original framed artwork.
I used paper from the comedy 'Love for Love' by William Congreve, to fold 3 butterflies, and glued them to a yellow cardboard.
“3 Butterflies” brings the number 3 two times, with the negative triangle formed by the positioning of the 3 butterflies.
And this is "Expression Blue". The butterflies are repeated like in a mandala, in groups of 5. Energy centre n. 5 is associated with the colour blue and with the throat in the body, centre of expression.
This artwork is about freedom of expression.
Number 3 is present too: in the triangular shape of the butterflies, and in 3 circular patters. Energy centre 3 is associated with action and empowerment.
"Expression Blue" was in the itsLiquid exhibition in London in April 2021, a great time because it was one of the first public events after lockdown.
"3 Butterflies" and "Expression Blue" are available to buy, for more information, please email support@unamarz.com
All the best, I'll see you soon with Butterflies - Part 2.
Una Marzorati
unamarz Creations