FLORALIA is a celebration of flowers being reflected from my paintings of flowers, gardens and wildflower meadows.
In Roman mythology, Flora was a goddess of flowers and the season of spring. She was a relatively minor figure in Roman mythology, being one among several fertility goddesses but her association with the spring gave her particular importance at the coming of springtime.
Her name is derived from the Latin word “flos” which means “flower.” In modern English, “Flora” also means the plants of a particular region or period.
Her festival was the Floralia which was held between April 28 and May 3 and symbolized the renewal of the cycle of life, drinking, and flowers.Flora was married to Favonius, the wind god also known as Zephyr, and her companion was Hercules.
My installation piece FLORALIA is based on the colour and flowers from my paintings but also builds on the importance of the connection of man to nature and the natural world. My roman goddess is painted with flowers and seated or laid in a bed of flowers and colour with my distinctive swirls and natural materials surrounding her. There are an array of delights including butterflies, mushrooms, wood flowers and tiny little details that need to be seen to be enjoyed! The piece is celebrating the beauty of the human form and that connection of mind body and spirit with the beauty and power of the natural world throughout the ages!
Much of my work is from my own personal love and connection with flowers from a life time of passion and work in wildlife conservation. Flowers have always had huge symbolism from the days of early man from love to wealth and health. Some of my earliest memories are of flowers in our garden and in the various family celebrations over the years. Their ethereal beauty, shapes and colours never cease to fascinate and thrill my heart and soul each and every time i cast my eyes upon them! I am thrilled to be able to interpret my love of flowers and colour in such a beautiful and unique way on each and every occasion that she is created. Heres to the wonder of FLORALIA!
Being created at FLUX-an international exhibition in London February 2015, Green Festival in Peterborough Cathedral Square 23rdMay 2015 and other locations are currently in discussion.
