Blue by Simon Dredge

Jarman’s final feature film Blue (1993) was released four months prior to his death.

Complications from AIDS-related illnesses lead to Jarman becoming partially blind, and he was only able to see in shades of blue. The film is an entirely blue screen where he and some of his long-time collaborators narrate his life and vision.

Blue became a profound meditation on mortality, love and the human spirit, encapsulating his experience with loss and resilience. The unflinching exploration of loss and transcendence has profoundly influenced my understanding of art’s ability to convey the depths of the human experience.

I wanted to make the plate somewhat simple with the floral designs. Something less realistic, possibly ethereal. Maybe these are the last few flowers standing and waiting to be attended to. Maybe they are the final flowers of the season.

The season of sun and excitement is over; now it’s time to let the quieter season begin.

This plate is decorated with ceramic stains. Acrylic paint. Ceramic slip. Varnished and lacquered.