Symbols

In the Victorian era, flowers were a coded language of emotions, desires, and unspoken messages. Because of this, flowers had the ability to speak louder than words in a time when speaking the truth of one's emotions was socially unacceptable. Today the language of flowers is still relevant. They symbolize love, regret, passion, loss, remembrance, and have the ability to subtly convey a message.

Like so many artists, I am compelled to paint flowers. For me the subject is not merely decoration. When setting up a still life, I use things like vases, cloth, and other objects, combined with the flowers of my choosing, to help express the thoughts and feelings within. While I am painting, it is easier for me to linger in those feelings. Like the people we are compelled to interact with in our lives, flowers can be powerful symbols from deep within. I will be lingering in this place for a long time.

"Be observant if thou wouldst have a pure heart, for something is born to thee in consequence of every action." - Rumi