Shelly Kerten Maderer
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The Garden of Smiles — Stones, gold leaf, and mixed media on canvas
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Plate No. 29

The Garden of Smiles

Dimensions30 × 50 cm MaterialsStones, gold leaf, and mixed media on canvas SeriesSmile at the World

The Garden of Smiles is part of the Smile at the World series, created from a desire to bring more joy, light, and optimism into the world. Within a rich and colorful composition, a smiling butterfly, smiling flowers, and lively decorative forms come together to create an imaginary world filled with freedom, warmth, and positivity.

The use of stones gives the work a jewel-like, festive, almost magical presence, while the gold leaf adds depth, light, and a sense of preciousness. The butterfly symbolizes freedom, transformation, and renewal, while the smiles throughout the piece reflect the simple yet powerful energy of joy — a small smile that can shift an entire atmosphere.

This work invites the viewer to pause for a moment, soften, and experience the world through color, light, and happiness.