Looking into a daily getaway? A slice of heaven? Illustrator Kaethe Butcher lets us into her drawings that take us into a gentle distraction in an attempt to break free from our busy lives when the weight of life itself becomes all too heavy. Enriched by her elegant yet whimsical rendition of flowers that blends reality and fantasy, the illustrations wish to take us somewhere special, hoping to pacify that
feeling of searching and longing, or simply reminding us to take a moment, and breathe.
Laying on clouds… that’s what Grass as Soft as Cotton Candy feels like. With its soft and poised lines, like poetry the way she surrenders herself into the wilderness, turning her back on reality as she breathes in the scent of nature, of freedom. It is a lush and velvety view of a field hemmed in grass and flowers. Simulating a creamy texture, echoing a pastel-felt illusion, Kaethe Butcher encapsulates feeling weightless, flourishing with an abundance of flowers on a sunny day, in an almost honey-tinted hue, and drops of mildew that extend its warmth and comfort to the viewer.
Dreaming about another world gives us a different perspective of daydreaming by grounding us back into reality. We see a woman with tame features and restless eyes, drawn in slimmer lines fashioning disheveled hair. Searching for solace under covers, swimming in clement sheets filled with flowers, stems, and leaves that act like vines climbing onto her as she floats deep in her own concoction of wonderland. We witness a strong yearning for serenity to bleed into reality and merge with it. Illustrator Kaethe Butcher lets us observe instead of inviting us into the character’s private escapades, yet also encourages us to imagine our own version of euphoria, our own version of a sanctuary.
The characters in the illustrations exercise stillness, something that we often don’t have. We’re always on the move, and always in a hurry. Kaethe Butcher lets our minds imagine and play, a reminder to restore the kid within ourselves despite the growing pains, telling us to blossom gracefully and never wither in despair.
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