-Childhood memories surface as I remember seeing marigolds in both my grandmothers' gardens, planted for their saturated color and for their pest deterrent quality. I never liked their smell but was always intrigued by the folds of their petals that look almost like crushed paper. This artwork was a visual quest to recreate the memory of the mixed feelings this little flower had embedded in me. I took it out of proportion by depicting it larger than life, and like my previous Dot project I placed it in the center of my canvas.
-In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman. Her name means the one who bears all gifts. She was created as a punishment to mankind and was given a jar (box) containing illness and hardship. She was told to never open it but her curiosity prevailed... When she saw all evil coming out she tried to close it trapping Hope inside. Her box is a metaphor of evil. Her myth begs the question of why evil exists in the world. Last year I started working on a series based on Greek Mythology. The recent events of COVID-19 prompted me to complete Pandora next. Let's blame it on her, but don't forget there is still Hope inside.
-The thought of Van Gogh always brings to mind Sunflowers. They symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity. They are known for being “happy” flowers, making them the perfect gift to bring joy to someone’s day. Intrigued by the ephemeral and ever-changing nature of street art, I am employing traditional art techniques with street art aesthetics creating images that reveal a layer through a multi layered process of torn layers of paper and multi layers of paint. Wrinkles and tearing are intentional as part of the nature and beauty of street art.
_I am always interested in the symbolism of things and marigold has mixed symbolism, just like my childhood feelings of it:
-Beauty and warmth of the rising sun
-Creativity and drive to succeed
-Desire for wealth
-Sacred offerings to the Gods
-Remembering and celebrating the dead
-Promoting cheer and good relations
