Oil on linen
95×75×4cm
2025
This piece, featuring a striking interplay of pearls and fire, emerged from a recent fascination with the beauty and ethereal qualities of pearls. Their lustrous surfaces seem to hold countless meanings—purity, innocence, strength, resilience, and wisdom. They remind me of people: multifaceted, complex, and shimmering with untold stories.
My journey began with research into the symbolism of pearls across history and cultures. What captivated me most was an ancient Chinese myth: pearls, it was said, were formed from the tears of dragons. These mythical jewels had the power to protect their wearers from fire, even from a dragon's fiery breath. This story lingered with me for days, resonating deeply. I couldn’t stop thinking about protection—not just from fire or dragons, but from life’s trials—and the idea of carrying your own strength and wisdom as a safeguard.
In this painting, I’ve depicted myself wrapped from head to toe in pearls, encased in their symbolic protection as the fiery world swirls around me. As an added layer of meaning, I wanted to include a dragon on the back of the painting, acting as a hidden key, to those who can see it, in order to offer deeper insight into the myth that inspired the piece. It’s a meditation on the duality of vulnerability and strength, purity and resilience, and the transformative power of embracing your inner fortitude.
Imogen Marsteller’s studio is at Thames Side Studios in London