Ferrero Rocher Maiden 1
An experimental mixed-media approach to Ferrero Rocher wrappings
Have you ever wondered what to do with all the gold tin foil and crisp discs after devouring Ferrero Rochers? If you have, you are not alone. Many times I nommed on the delicious spheres, feeling satisfied but also guilty as my fingers let the wrappings flutter into the bin, disconnected from my heart burning from conscience. "What can I even do with the wrappers anyway?", "B-but this is harmful to Mother Nature!" "Eating chocolate is such a dilemma!" But the problem is, it's not a dilemma - chocolate, sweets, and other wrapped foods are too delicious to resist! What do we do
with all the residues then?
with all the residues then?
A common answer would be to 'just let it burn' in our trash incinerators, but with so many tonnes of waste generated per day do we really want to 'just let it burn'? Also if you look carefully at the wrappers and plastics they have beautiful colours, patterns, and waterproof qualities - much to vie for if you know how to sew up a dress, or have the know-how to weave a bag.
Sadly as I have neither, and only my pens and brushes as witnesses, the most obvious answer one sunny day after eating a Rocher shone bright like a bulb: This torn wrapper looks like a tuft of hair!
Not Donald Trump's golden mane. I mean a Maiden's hair, wavering in the winds.
Above: a snippet of the work in progress
Above: a snippet of the work in progress
So with that I played with the foil on a sheet of drawing paper, and found a composition reminiscent of a mountain. One thing led to another and I found the maiden's eyes, nose, lips, and gaze, especially after tearing the paper further. The process was quite cathartic.
This is not the best photo taken (because it was taken under the nightlight) but it shows the early beginnings of Ferrero Rocher Maiden 1, at least, the earliest documented.
When discovering her posture and composition it hit me that she resembles the style of figures in Greek mythology, the disc making her even more reminiscent of Olympians except for the fact that she is female. Speaking of which how blessed we are that the Olympics has widened to include women.
Back to the point of the composition, it further struck me that she emanates calm, nurturing gentleness from her embrace of the sphere, but also a fierceness in protecting it like a warrior.
When discovering her posture and composition it hit me that she resembles the style of figures in Greek mythology, the disc making her even more reminiscent of Olympians except for the fact that she is female. Speaking of which how blessed we are that the Olympics has widened to include women.
Back to the point of the composition, it further struck me that she emanates calm, nurturing gentleness from her embrace of the sphere, but also a fierceness in protecting it like a warrior.
A story began to form in my head and here we have a strong and kind warrior protecting our world - a fragile sphere. As much as Gaia is strong-willed in surviving countless attacks from meteors in prehistory she is also vulnerable and weak to threats including our own inflicted torments. Such is the beauty and tragedy of Gaia.
I hope to work on this artwork further and perhaps sell it one day (not too sure but maybe) in a fundraiser. When her form develops I will update in this space, and if more ferrero compositions emerge I will also document their discoveries.
Stay strong Gaia, we are here to support you!
*Written and last updated: 4. 2. 2020
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