Matters of the Heart

Matters of the Heart is a new collage that combines the anatomical heart with symbolism to create heart art with emotional depth. This mixed media wall art consists of three antique book covers which have been connected together. I think that fits the theme, because what is a heart about if not connection? Our veins carry blood throughout the body, connecting every part. When we fall in love, we say, "You have my heart." It is the symbolic seat of our emotions, especially the ones that connect us to others. In this blog post, I quote The Vintage News definition of the heart shape as "an ideograph used to express the idea of the 'heart' in its metaphorical or symbolic sense as the core of emotion, affection, and love."  The post goes on to explore the reasons that the heart came to be such an important symbol.

On the middle panel of the piece, I have layered another antique book cover in a beautiful maroon red color, clearly showing the title "Conquerors and Captives" in ornate gold letters. I thought it was perfect for the theme of love and the heart. On this I placed an antique engraving of the heart, replacing the veins with some of my monoprints of vines. On the top panel is a Shakespeare love sonnet from an antique book, along with bits of lace and some red stitching. The bottom panel displays a page from "Romeo and Juliet", embellished with more lace and red stitching, and a single monoprint flower. Other elements include three antique keyhole escutcheons and an antique key.

Matters of the Heart would be a perfect gift for someone you love, or as a beautiful decoration for your bedroom or any room in your home that needs more love!