Tezhip Okyanus (Gilded Ocean) Minis - Limited Edition Series of 20

Dimensions: 8” X 16” X 3/4”. Medium: Layered resin, stone, and gold leaf mounted on wood

Derived from the Arabic word for gilding, "Tezhip" represents the traditional Turkish/Ottoman art of illumination painting. This technique involves using crushed gold to intricately form patterns in vibrant colors. Historically employed in handwritten books and calligraphic texts, Tezhip has demonstrated its ability to preserve the brilliance of hues over centuries. Drawing inspiration from my fascination with Middle Eastern architecture, South Asian design, and Arabic calligraphy, it felt instinctive to employ this age-old method to delicately gild the boundaries of resin and stone on these minis. The luminosity achieved through this process adds an ethereal feel and spatial depth to the each piece.