Treasured Bouquet, 2023

Mixed Media on Mat Board, 16" x 12"

Treasured Bouquet was finished on Valentine's Day, which I think is quite fitting as it has come to represent lasting love. This piece evolved through lots of phases. But from the onset I knew that it looked like flowers to me, though none are actually in the composition. Something about a bouquet was a recurring thought as I worked on the piece. When I added the ribbon, it just looked like a wrapped up little bouquet of flowers. Daily I worked, layer upon layer, watching the image emerge. Eventually I saw the beginnings of what became this butterfly, a focal point that arrived late in the process. I took some pictures of the work in progress on my phone, and I would sketch on them here and there as I had time. I just wasn't quite sure how this piece would finish; it was a mystery. Over the first weekend in February, I went to visit my parents to celebrate my dad's 83rd birthday. While there, we went to visit Daddy’s sister, Aunt Anne. She gave me the book from my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary celebration which was in 1978. As I was flipping through it, I came upon a quote that made me pause. My heart quickened as it does when I get a God wink. That’s when I knew how to finish the piece, Treasured Bouquet.

“More precious than blossoms

In a treasured bouquet

Is the sweet kept memory

Of a lovely day.” ~Kay Andrew