Florence - Original Painting

30” x 42” oil over acrylic on stretched canvas.

The ongoing Ladies in Bloom series began in July of 2022 as a journey of self-healing and discovery. I wanted to encapsulate the feminine energy “in bloom” - the life-giving ideas, expressions, positivity, gratitude and outpouring of one’s own internal beauty once given the opportunity to fully embody her true feminine nature.

Florence is a woman that has stopped shrinking herself. Her profile is turned away in contemplation as if listening inwardly. A long-tailed glossy starling is perched close to her throat whispering the guidance of intuition. She has choices to make. In her hand holds a perfect apple, symbolizing good health and ripe with knowledge. Flowers overflow to the point of impossibility. This isn’t merely a colorful crown of abundance though. She grew this flourishing life from what meant to bury her. The lessons learned by hard experience are worn as jewels and pearls of wisdom that decorate the regal bodice of tapestry and lace. Growth is not linear. It is woven from the past, present and future. Her background is layered, scraped and imperfect; Some moments dark, while others are highlighted peaks in memory for life.She cultivates her own reality and that process is beautiful. This is a manifestation piece. A story of self-authorship, and building a garden of abundance.