ARTWORK > FLORIOGRAPHY

This body of work started in 2011 and is ongoing. The encaustic and mixed media encaustic paintings on wood document the language of flowers, sometimes called floriography. Dating back to the 19th century, gifts of blooms, plants, and specific floral arrangements were used to send a coded message to the recipient, allowing the sender to express feelings that could not be spoken aloud in Victorian society. Floriography, antique floral wallpaper and fabrics are what inspire me to create the paintings. The use of flowers as metaphorical subject matter also addresses emotions and issues around memory, history, and identity.