Tin Kettle, Flowers & Apples 

Daniel Greene created this still life, Tin Kettle, Flowers & Apples, using pastels. The eye is immediately drawn to the metallic grey kettle centered within a composition of fruits, flowers and containers, all set against a muted gold background. Greene plays with contrasts in texture and form. The rough surface of the tin kettle juxtaposes with the softness of the roses. These are further set against the smooth skins of the apples and the granular appearance of the brick and wooden box. The composition is structured around a series of vertical and horizontal forms, providing a sense of stability and balance, yet it has an interesting interplay between the geometric and the organic. The sharp, straight lines of the containers contrast with the rounded forms of the fruit and flowers. This combination of form and texture is a key element of Greene’s semiotic system, challenging our interpretations of the ordinary. The familiar objects are assembled to evoke a sense of contemplation and the beauty inherent in everyday life.