Artist Statement
The Origins of Flowers
What causes thunder? Who created the sea? Why do we have different seasons?
How did all these beautiful flowers come to be?
Humanity has always been a very curious species, intrigued by various things in their lives and surroundings. They have created stories, poems and theories in an attempt to explain what they could not understand. Greek mythology is a prime example of how humanity tried to find answers to their mysteries. Mythology is a rich form of historical evidence that provides insight into cultural values and a people’s relationship with divinity. As a fascinating form of art and communication, the mythology’s meanings can change as these stories are retold from generation to generation. Some of its cultural context is lost, then replaced by its newer listeners.
This series is a visual retelling of the Greek myths surrounding the creation of flowers. Each piece captures the moment of the flower’s birth and its narrative. Ironically, many flowers were born from a person’s death. The evening primrose was created after the death of a nymph who loved the moon, and Aphrodite’s mourning over the death of her lover gave life to the anemone. Paeon escaped his potential death when he was turned into the flower peony, and the narcissus bloomed after the beautiful young man died for his own reflection. The flowers feature unique stories behind their creation filled with symbolism, waiting yet again to be interpreted by you, their contemporary viewers.