When I first designed the Deco Diver, it was a stand-alone piece and it hadn’t crossed my mind to do another to go with it. However, after many requests about bringing out a sister design, I started to mull it over. I came across the Renaissance painting “The Birth of Venus” and it sparked my creativity. I loved the giant shell and Venus emerging from it. A few weeks later Albion was created and the keyword for the design challenge was announced. Renaissance! It was meant to be; I knew what I had to do!

Renaissance means ‘rebirth’ and in the painting the goddess Venus emerges from the sea onto the shore after her birth. If you’ve ever had a dip in the cold sea, you will know that you come out feeling refreshed and rejuvenated so it's very relatable! Being on the beach with the sun and fresh air surrounding you also gives you this feeling so I thought it would be the perfect match for the Renaissance theme. The figure is dancing in an elegant, yogic way which also represents revival.

Subtle details in the painting are the small flowers being blown by the wind God Zephyr which I have included in the design. Another thing which I love about Renaissance paintings are the rays of sunshine and the details to the clouds which I have also incorporated. The whale tail in the background is a personal touch having always wanted to see a whale swimming in the wild!

Yasmeen Mocharrafie-Laouira