Oil on linen, ready to hang.

Signed on the front.

"Waiting for Cake," brings together a collection of cherished heirlooms, each laden with personal history. The composition centres around a white cut-out and embroidered tablecloth —a tangible memory of visits to Delhi, India,

Tea is ready, but there is cake to come with a tarnished silver "Perfect Teapot Patented" and silver family-crested cutlery, once belonging to my husband's mother. Four sets of fine bone-patterned Tea Cup, Saucer, and Cake plates, passed down from my Grandmother and Aunty, form a nostalgic tableau. These items are more than objects; they are vessels embodying the essence of familial connection.

Emerging from the shadows , the still life evokes a dramatic chiaroscuro effect, casting a play of light that accentuates the details of each element. This technique not only lends a visual depth to the arrangement but also symbolizes the interplay of memory and time.

A glass vase holding bluebells from the garden introduces a touch of natural freshness, juxtaposing the enduring nature of familial bonds with the ephemeral beauty of flowers.

The artistic approach in "Waiting for Cake" pays homage to the chiaroscuro technique popularized in the Baroque era. The interplay of light and shadow creates a visual drama that intensifies the emotional resonance of the still life. This intentional use of light serves not only as an aesthetic choice but as a narrative device, highlighting the significance of each element and its connection to my personal history.

The incorporation of meaningful artifacts, from the intricately detailed Indian tablecloth to the familial silverware and bone-patterned tea sets, mirrors the tradition of still life painting as a medium for storytelling. Each item becomes a vessel for memories and a testament to the enduring influence of loved ones.