Our lives are made more interesting when we encounter people, places or things that are exotic. Being exotic means strikingly, excitingly, mysteriously different or unusual. Most exotic things are of foreign origin, introduced from abroad. Some things are exotic because they are unique, different or out of the ordinary.
We now have access to many things from foreign lands. Items are exported easily. People also travel from country to country bringing their customs and heritage with them. Exposure to people from far-off lands makes our lives richer and broadens our minds.
When I was a child, many years ago, most of our food was what we grew or raised, and how it was prepared was based on what our parents and grandparents did. Growing up in a rural area limited what was available. Eating in restaurants was a very special occasion and often the food wasn’t much different from what we had at home. The most exotic restaurant was a Chinese restaurant in a nearby town.
Currently, I live in a small town in Ontario that can boast about Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican and Caribbean eateries. We are so lucky to be able to experience great ethnic foods.
People who are exotic seem somehow mysterious in the way they interact with others, or perhaps they dress in such a way that makes them striking to look at. Clothes can make a statement about who you want the world to see. Many folks these days are visiting thrift stores to find unusual treasures to wear.
Artists often fall into the category of being exotic simply because they see the world differently and express themselves through their art whatever form it takes. Some artists create to point out the beauty in the world, some make political or religious statements with their work, and others explore materials and techniques for the sheer joy of doing it. My work tends to explore the beauty in the world around us. Exploring new techniques also keeps things interesting for me.
The work included with this blog is called “Tropical Beauty”. The orchids were painted on fabric using inktense pencils. The painting was then attached to a quilted background. The painting is based on a photo of orchids taken in the 1980s at the Royal Botanical Gardens Orchid show. It appears that exotic beauty never gets stale.
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