The waters will run clear again

Historically across cultures, the enigmatic presence of water in formal gardens has provided spectacle, symbolism and solace. Referencing theatrical Baroque fountains, Jane Frederick’s work explores the lure of historical formal gardens, highlighting their potential to provoke wonder and intrigue and offer space for sanctuary and introspection. With its ability to nourish all of our senses, arguably we need the restorative properties of water now more than ever.

The waters flowing in these paintings and drawings do not run clear or freely. These enigmatic spaces exist at the mercy of their guardians and keepers as nature strives to grow free from the constraints of man, shaping and taming the environment.

 Study I for The waters will run clear again pastel on paper 2021 42cm x 60cm