Sparking Dialogue: Artist Heroes, Edward Burne-Jones

-By Gretta Cole

On a crisp November day in 2018, I hopped aboard an 88 London bus. My destination: Tate Britain, to see the exquisite Edward Burne-Jones exhibition.

As an artist, I find myself deeply drawn to Edward Burne-Jones's spirit of exploration. His willingness to embrace different mediums, from the delicate brushstrokes of oil paintings to the intricate tapestries woven by Morris & Co., it certainly inspired me to push beyond the confines of any single style of expression.

I worry that we are taught to be stylistic.

Perhaps 'stylistic' isn't a limitation, but a strength? What’s your take?

For me, the very notion of restricting an artistic impulse to a single medium or style feels stifling, a cage for the imagination. Who dares dictate that a series, of creative energy, must be contained within the boundaries of a single artistic discipline? Someone once told me that this is the way forward if you want to be taken seriously in the art world !!!

Burne-Jones, through his own artistic journey, eloquently argues against limitations. Whether it's the glow of his stained glass or the beauty of his oil paintings, or the tactile depth of a tapestry, in his work, I find not only an affirmation of artistic freedom but a compelling testament to the transformative power of cross-pollination between artistic disciplines.

….One to remember….