Lilies & Gold 

John Michael Carter's "Lilies & Gold" is an oil painting, a medium known for its versatility and richness. The artist's technique here appears to be impasto, where paint is applied thickly, giving the surface a palpable texture. The materiality of the oil paint is very important. Notice how Carter uses the inherent viscosity and luminosity of the oil to build up forms and capture the play of light on the golden pitcher, the delicate porcelain, and the vibrant lilies. The artist has deftly balanced realism with painterly abstraction. The subject matter is fairly traditional, evoking the leisurely pastimes of the upper class. However, the thick, almost sculptural application of paint brings the work into a modern context. In his engagement with materials and his process-oriented approach, Carter bridges the gap between conventional still life and contemporary art practices. In this way, this painting is testament to the enduring power of materials and process to shape meaning and value.