Fierce Elegance

2025

Acrylic on Canvas

Unframed, sides are gallery-finished and come ready to hang

35 cm (W) x 35 cm (H) x 4cm (D)

“She was a wildflower in bloom—fierce in her elegance, untamed in her grace.”
— Unknown

This piece is part of an evolving series I began in early 2024, inspired by the poignant story of Sadako Sasaki and the legend of the thousand paper cranes. In Japanese tradition, it is believed that if you fold 1,000 origami cranes, your heartfelt wish will come true. Like Sadako, I’m folding one crane at a time—so far, I’ve reached 137—and through this practice, I make a quiet wish for peace.

The paper crane has become a recurring symbol in my work: a timeless emblem of hope, love, healing, and peace during uncertain times. In my own way, I seek to "write peace upon their wings and let them fly all over the world."

"Fierce Elegance" is a deeply textured mixed media piece. It begins with a base layer of torn Japanese textbook paper, carefully adhered to canvas. I then build the composition using delicate pencil shading for the facial features, and layers of acrylic pointillism for her hair, floral adornments, and burgundy background.

Artwork Details:

Acrylic, pencil, and Japanese paper on stretched canvas (40mm edge)

Gallery-finished sides, sealed with fixative and triple-gloss varnish

Signed and dated on the reverse, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity

Ready to hang

Please note: in situ images are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect exact scale—be sure to check artwork dimensions prior to purchase.

About the Artist:

Natalie Briney is a Western Australian artist living and working just south of Margaret River on her family’s farm. Her creative practice is deeply influenced by the textures, tones, and rhythms of country life—the eucalyptus-drenched bushland, native flora, and the peaceful pace of rural living.

Natalie’s works can be found in private collections across Australia, the United States, Europe, and Asia—and she’s proud to count F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo among her collectors.