February, with its themes of love and Valentine’s Day, has felt especially fitting for intimate explorations in the art studio. While the world outside turns toward romance and the anticipation of spring, I’ve been exploring two new (and very small) directions in my work: ACEO-sized paintings and a “Lover’s Eye” motif.
What Are ACEOs?
ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. These miniature works are just 2.5 x 3.5 inches, the same size as a standard trading card.There is something enchanting about working this small.
The scale forces focus, and it is very satisfying to be able to complete an entire work in one short sitting. I’ve been enjoying the discipline of distilling my visual language into this tiny format.
What Are Lover’s Eye Paintings?
Originating in the late 18th century, Lover’s Eye miniatures were secret tokens of devotion, capturing only the gaze of a beloved while preserving their anonymity. Traditionally worn as jewelry, these tiny portraits were set into lockets and brooches, resting close to the heart. (Read more about lovers eyes’ and their history at public domain review here)
The pieces below honor that intimate history while creating a new invitation to tell a personal story. They are mysterious but also convey a feeling of intense familiarity, the sense that you know someone deeply.
carolinaberys
