I often work intuitively, creating first and "solving the mystery" of what I’ve done later. As I was finishing my recent series of rose pieces, I decided to title them based on the traditional meanings of their colors. I recalled the “Language of Flowers,” a tradition rooted in antiquity but made famous during the Victorian era.

Using these meanings felt fitting. My work is always a study of layers, both in physical materials – photo transfers, acrylics, collage, and often dried plant material - and in metaphorical depth. Here is a look into the meanings behind my most recent botanical works.

Red: From Admiration to Passion

In the floral lexicon, a red rose can represent several stages of emotion.

"Admiration" represents the initial spark of regard. It is a quiet, respectful beginning for the series. I instinctually paired this soft red rose with two carpenter bees; to me, they symbolize the diligence required to sustain regard for something beautiful. Beneath the surface, the layers reveal cycles of life, death, and heartache, the quiet realities of the world we inhabit.

If admiration is a spark, “Passion” is the fire. This is a larger, more elongated work. Surrounding the bloom are two sphinx moths and a wasp, suggesting the stinging, nocturnal, and transformative nature of deep desire. If you look closely at the background, three different birds act as near-voyeurs to the scene.

Orange: The Energy of Enthusiasm

I have always been drawn to orange roses, which symbolize "Enthusiasm." Unlike the heavy intensity of passion, the energy here is outward-moving, light, and infectious. This mood is mirrored by the painted lady butterflies fluttering around the petals. A deeper look into the textures reveals a hidden map and various creatures tucked into the background.

Yellow: Sun-Drenched Optimism

Yellow roses are often interpreted as "Optimism." This piece feels like a promise of a bright future, infused with hope even when the "sting" of the present is felt—represented by a pair of exotic wasps and a tiny blue beetle. Among the sun-drenched layers, you’ll find a garden lizard and a variety of birds.

The Grand Finale: Loveliness Extreme

Because my final piece featured a line of roses in various colors, I moved away from single-word meanings. Instead, I turned to Gertrude Stein’s poem Sacred Emily. While most people know the famous line, "A rose is a rose is a rose," the line that follows is "Loveliness Extreme."

This work is an exploration of healing, with faint grasshoppers and birds woven into the textures. I am thrilled to share that this piece was selected for the upcoming exhibit, “A Rose is a Rose,” opening at Archival Gallery this April.

Bringing the Garden Home

Together, these artworks form a timeline of emotions within my larger Natural History collection. They are more than just florals; they are intended to bring a sense of calm and hope to the spaces they inhabit.

Could you use a little more calm in your life? I invite you to explore the collection and find the piece that speaks your language.

The Language of Layers: Roses and Their Hidden Meanings

Can One Person Make a Difference?

Why I’m Investing a Culture of Creativity