The title Aion comes from the ancient Greek Αἰών (Aiōn), a word associated with an age, eternity, and the enduring passage of time. For me, it reflects the timeless relationship between the ocean, the land, and the creatures that have travelled these waters long before us, along with my hope that they will continue to travel them long after we are gone.
Aion is a one-of-a-kind original artwork painted directly onto naturally weathered driftwood. Three orcas travel together through cool coastal waters, their reflections dissolving into the shifting surface below. Behind them, a rugged island rises into a softly atmospheric sky, with distant trees and shoreline details emerging through layers of colour and texture.
There is something deeply meaningful to me about painting these creatures within a landscape that feels much older than we are. The driftwood itself carries its own history, shaped by the elements long before it became part of this artwork. The orcas become part of that continuing story—moving through waters that existed before us and, I hope, will remain their home long after us.
I love allowing the natural texture of the driftwood to remain visible beneath the painting—the grain, ridges, cracks, and weathered contours become part of the story.
Once finished with a clear resin layer, the tactile surface transforms into a smooth, polished plane, creating a beautiful contrast between the organic character of the wood and the crisp, glass-like finish of the artwork. The resin enhances the depth and luminosity of the colours while preserving the character of the natural wood beneath.
Displayed on handcrafted copper feet, Aion is designed to be experienced as both a painting and a piece of natural coastal material—a small fragment of a much larger story of time, place, and life.
The driftwood has a beautifully irregular, dimensional profile, with sections rising to approximately 1 inch in depth. Its natural contours, weathered edges, and varying thickness are part of what makes this piece completely unique.
Details:
Dimensions: 13" L × 6" H
Artwork: Original, hand-painted driftwood
Subject: Three orcas, coastal waters and rugged island landscape
Finish: Clear resin
Base: Handcrafted copper feet
Signed by: Mara Szyp
One-of-a-kind original
The title Aion comes from the ancient Greek Αἰών (Aiōn), a word associated with an age, eternity, and the enduring passage of time. For me, it reflects the timeless relationship between the ocean, the land, and the creatures that have travelled these waters long before us, along with my hope that they will continue to travel them long after we are gone.
Aion is a one-of-a-kind original artwork painted directly onto naturally weathered driftwood. Three orcas travel together through cool coastal waters, their reflections dissolving into the shifting surface below. Behind them, a rugged island rises into a softly atmospheric sky, with distant trees and shoreline details emerging through layers of colour and texture.
There is something deeply meaningful to me about painting these creatures within a landscape that feels much older than we are. The driftwood itself carries its own history, shaped by the elements long before it became part of this artwork. The orcas become part of that continuing story—moving through waters that existed before us and, I hope, will remain their home long after us.
I love allowing the natural texture of the driftwood to remain visible beneath the painting—the grain, ridges, cracks, and weathered contours become part of the story.
Once finished with a clear resin layer, the tactile surface transforms into a smooth, polished plane, creating a beautiful contrast between the organic character of the wood and the crisp, glass-like finish of the artwork. The resin enhances the depth and luminosity of the colours while preserving the character of the natural wood beneath.
Displayed on handcrafted copper feet, Aion is designed to be experienced as both a painting and a piece of natural coastal material—a small fragment of a much larger story of time, place, and life.
The driftwood has a beautifully irregular, dimensional profile, with sections rising to approximately 1 inch in depth. Its natural contours, weathered edges, and varying thickness are part of what makes this piece completely unique.
Details:
Dimensions: 13" L × 6" H
Artwork: Original, hand-painted driftwood
Subject: Three orcas, coastal waters and rugged island landscape
Finish: Clear resin
Base: Handcrafted copper feet
Signed by: Mara Szyp
One-of-a-kind original
