Every Flower Must Grow Through Dirt
This is a quote worth remembering from Laurie Jean Sennott, “Every Flower Must Grow Through Dirt.” It is true that every flower must grow through dirt. It rings true to me in many different ways. How many times does life throw us a curveball and we have to change course? We have to find a way to bloom in the darkness of bad times. The times that seem most dramatic are the opportunities for us to step out of dark dirt and into the light of the living. It’s a challenge some days to be in the sun and soak in positive thoughts and actions. I try to do this every day.
I have found myself creating in darker colors lately, for good reason. The passing of my Mother brought me to my knees. It is indeed a dark time. The color black seemed to express the void I continue to feel. It’s the color of dirt that is deep and unknown. But, it is needed to grow flowers.
Stepping out of a dark time means I am growing. I am thinking of my Mom as a “forever-flower” of sorts. She loved her rose bushes. They will continue to flourish as our love will.
Some amount of time had gone by and I then felt guilty for needing to create and design in bright cheerful colors once again. When I finally came to terms with the notion that she would have wanted me to continue my passions and not change my style based solely on my inner feelings- I decided to grow with even more passion! I have a new focus to bloom! And, now using color is not just a reflection of positivity…it is a color of vibrancy and life. Like the bright personality and life, she graced us with. My design goal is to maintain a balance of dark and bright colors. They both are symbolic of personal growth…a realization that every bright flower must grow through the darkness of dirt.
Pattern Passion: Abstract & Layered
It all began with a prompt.
Fall, 2021
It all began with an idea from an Instagram prompt. The challenge was to create a pattern that was abstract and layered. Creating patterns that are abstract adds a very freeing element to the creative process. That fact alone was going to give me something to look forward to.
I could not think of a better way to add layers to a design than to use a print-making method. My decision to incorporate a monoprint using acrylic paint and a Gelli plate seemed ideal. This was more of an experiment for me but, I am always up for a challenge. Even if I anticipate some level of frustration due to the element of the unknown in an unexpected artful journey. Luckily, I can report that no aspect of this design project was stressful for me. In fact, I would call the experience and the results quite satisfying!
Below is one version of the repeating pattern created from my monoprint on paper. For the final pattern, I placed several sections together, sort of like an overlapping puzzle. From the results, I have found a way to appreciate the abstract qualities of this design, as well as the many layers of depth and variety.
