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Scorpion’s Dream by Laura Bernardeschi Nelson is an evocative exploration of texture, color, and symbolism, rendered in oil pastels on paper. The artist’s application of impasto technique brings an engaging tactile quality to the work, with layers of thick, expressive strokes that create a sense of depth and movement. This technique allows the viewer to experience the texture of the landscape as much as the form of the scorpion itself, which almost seems to rise from the surface of the page.
The scorpion, the focal point of the piece, is presented in an array of vibrant blues, teals, and grays. These cool, otherworldly hues contrast with the soft purple and violet tones of the background, making the creature appear almost ethereal, as though it exists in a dream-like or symbolic space rather than the tangible world. This blend of realism and abstraction, with its fluid color transitions and surreal atmosphere, invites the viewer to question the boundaries between the real and the imagined.
From a technical perspective, the artist’s use of layered color in the scorpion’s body, tail, and claws speaks to the natural layering seen in nature itself. The interplay of dark and light blues and teals creates a sense of texture and dimension, while the background, painted with softer strokes of purple, acts as a fluid, atmospheric space that contrasts yet complements the figure of the scorpion. The varnish applied to the surface enhances the vibrancy of the pastels, giving the piece a glossy finish that catches light and further accentuates its dynamic texture.
Philosophically, Scorpion’s Dream explores themes of transformation, duality, and hidden strength. The scorpion, a creature often associated with danger, protection, and rebirth, symbolizes the delicate balance between survival and vulnerability. Its striking blue hues could suggest a connection to the subconscious, as blue is frequently associated with depth, intuition, and calmness, yet here it is juxtaposed with the primal power of the scorpion. The dream-like quality of the background reinforces this notion of the scorpion as a symbol of inner strength and mystery—an enigmatic force that exists in both the conscious and unconscious mind.
The swirling purple and blue hues of the backdrop mirror the fluidity of the scorpion’s movement while evoking the space between dreams and reality. The piece as a whole invites a meditative interpretation of the relationship between the physical and the metaphysical, suggesting that the scorpion is both a manifestation of power and a metaphor for the deeper, hidden aspects of self.
In the context of contemporary art, Scorpion’s Dream can be seen as a piece that questions the nature of perception and existence, using symbolism to convey deeper layers of meaning. By combining striking color contrasts, tactile texture, and surreal imagery, the work serves as both an emotional and intellectual journey, urging viewers to reflect on the forces of transformation that lie beneath the surface of everyday life.
Laura Bernardeschi Nelson artworld and travels 