The Story Behind The Colourful Skull and Crown Series
If I had to sum up The Colourful Skull and Crown Series in one phrase, it would be: “A celebration of duality.” This series is all about the tension between life and death, power and fragility, permanence and impermanence. It’s inspired by the timeless concept of Memento Mori, “Remember you must die”, but paired with its uplifting counterpart, Memento Vivere“, Remember to live.”
The idea for this series came from my work on the Beowulf Hero, King project, where I explored themes of mortality and legacy. The skull and crown imagery felt like the perfect way to distil those ideas into something bold and striking. Each skull wears a crown, not just as a symbol of power, but as a reminder that even the mighty are subject to the same fate as everyone else. It’s humbling, but it’s also a call to live fully and with purpose.
One of the most exciting parts of creating this series was playing with color. Each variation, gold, silver, pink, orange, and grey, brings its own energy and mood to the design. The gold version feels regal and timeless, while the pink and orange have a bold, contemporary edge. The grey and silver versions, on the other hand, lean into the stark, reflective nature of Memento Mori. I wanted these pieces to feel modern but still deeply rooted in timeless themes.
The crowns were another key element. Adorned with spikes and jewels, they represent both the beauty and weight of power. It was important to me that each design felt cohesive but also distinct, offering a different interpretation of the same central idea.
Creating this series was a reminder of why I love art, it gives us a way to explore big, complex ideas in a way that’s visual, accessible, and deeply personal. I hope these pieces resonate with people in their own way, whether as a reflection on mortality or as a celebration of life’s vibrancy.
If you’d like to see more, check out the series in my gallery or let me know which design speaks to you most. I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop me a message and let’s talk about it!
