Elizabeth Noble, The Artist Naturalist
SOUTH SHORE HOME, LIFE & STYLE – “Cecelia Cicada”
Part of The James Library’s exhibition “In Noticing,” this captivating mixed-media creation was made using gold candy wrappers and oil paints on canvas. Artist Elizabeth Noble, who lives outside Boston and frequently visits family in Plymouth, often incorporates found scraps of paper and other objects into her works. “Cecelia Cicada” is part of her Gold Series. Like many of Noble’s works, the painting searches for the significance of everyday objects while exploring aspects of the natural world, society and religion.
This particular piece is a portrait of St. Cecelia, a young Roman martyr and patron saint of music. “She is said to have been singing as she was led to death,” says Noble, who painted the woman holding a cicada rather than a harp. “Cicadas sing a loud, droning song and signal the end of a season, and Cecelia’s story is one about the end of youth,” says Noble. The James Library showcases Noble’s process as a journey from drawings and found materials to large finished oil paintings. “In Noticing” will be on view from October 26–December 7.
An opening reception will be held October 26, from 6-8 p.m., 24 West St., Norwell, 781-659-7100, jameslibrary.org
