Botanical Portrait Series

I have put such an emphasis on my love for flowers. My favorite type of portraits to shoot involve floral arrangements of any sort. I have a need to create, so why not utilize one of nature's greatest gifts. Flowers. Flowers give life to this earth, we wouldn't be able to eat without them. Their pollination process is key for the earth's survival. Flowers are so symbolic. They are one of the most common gifts, yet do we ever know what we are actually sending the language of flowers? In this project I touch on the topic of symbolism behind flowers, and then I relate that back to ourselves. I believe that people are like flowers, we are all so different and so beautiful in our own way. We cannot compare the beauty of a rose, to that of a sunflower. Why? Because they are different and not really comparable to be completely honest. Like flowers, we do not bloom under the same conditions, seasons, and climate zones. Yet we pressure ourselves to. As a society, we hold high toxic expectations of ourselves based on what others are doing. Comparison is the thief of joy. We have to remember that we are all beautiful in our own ways, just like all flowers✨

As always, I hope you Enjoy~

The Azalea✨

Azaleas can be a symbol of self-recognition and caring for yourself, of temperance, as well as representing first love and fragility. The Azalea is also the symbol of womanhood, it is reminder to stay soft and beautiful despite the hardships we as women face. So don’t forget, out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength. After all~ One cannot grow without the other. Life is balance. Just because you are soft doesn’t mean you are not a force. Water is the softest thing yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. It takes courage to remain soft, the bravest thing you can do is be unafraid to feel. Remain soft. Remain delicate. Remain you✨

The HoneySuckle✨

The Honeysuckle has often symbolized devoted affection. It also symbolizes happiness and living a sweet life~without too much squabbles in between. Life is truly what we make it, everyone has their own unique path and journey. Happiness is and can be fleeting. True happiness is called “joy”, and that can only be found from within. Practice incorporating positive mantras in your daily routine. Try to find the bliss in your routine and watch yourself and everything around you experience true joy✨

The Lily of The Valley✨

This flower has the meaning of humility, sweetness, purity and is said to bring good luck in love. It also means “the return of happiness.” However many say that the secret of being happy, is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of it everyday. The art of happiness can be as simple as a change in perspective. It lies in the power of extracting happiness from common everyday things. Two things prevent us from happiness; living in the past, and observing others. Live in your moment. Cherish it and those around you. Let yourself be free✨

The Spirea✨

Vanhoutte spirea is the flower of victory. It is a northern relative to the rose, and flourishes after the harsh winters. Like I said earlier, nothing is meant to bloom year round. The spirea blooms only for a month in spring, and it has some of the most beautiful white clustered flowers. It survives some of the harshest of winters, temperatures hitting so low it's a miracle anything survives. Just like spirea, we tend to bloom after harsh storms in our lives. We spin our pain into gold, and we glow with victory. Nothing is wrong with that, it is in fact one of the most beautiful of beautifuls. To be you, after everything has told you not to be, is a victory✨

The Evening Primrose✨

This native flower is a universal number that symbolizes a life of fulfillment. The Primrose is also called the Buttercup Flower in different regions. Primrose derives from the Latin root “primus” which means first. This is why the primrose also symbolizes youth; It is usually among the first of many to bloom in spring. My niece was the first born, so it only seems fitting. She is beautiful, a true child at heart. She is full of youth; She influences everyone around her so positively, a real light for my family. When “growing up” it is important to always maintain and to stay connected with our “inner youth" or "child". Growing up, doesn't have to mean "growing up." A certain level of bliss and innocence gives way to a feeling of grandiose. We haven’t seen it all; we should still feel a sense of excitement for things to come. For things to see. For people to meet. Life is a never ending journey~ Some of us grow old, but never grow up✨

The Spiderwort✨

The Spiderwort is also known by the names: Bluejacket, Cow Slobber, Indian Paint, Widow’s Tears, Moses in the Bulrushes, Dayflower and Trinity Flower. This flower opens during the day, and closes at night. Because each flower only lasts one day the flower is said to represent transient happiness. The spiderwort also symbolizes regard and admiration. This is fitting because there is a cycle of admiration in my family; my niece admires me, and I admire my brother Peter. I began to love this flower because of our shared love for a video game named Oblivion. This game utilized this flower in their scenery and made it accessible for alchemy purposes. After his passing my mother and I found every color variety available and native to Wisconsin and we then planted them in her yard. My niece was born the year my brother passed~ she was/is an amazing gift to our family, and brought happiness to us during a dark time.

Like the Spiderwort, each day is a new day. It is full of potential, it is full of new happiness. We have no idea half of the time who looks to us with admiration, but there is no doubt that people do. So learn to be present with yourself and give regard not only to everyone you meet, but most importantly yourself✨

The Black Eyed Susan✨

Black Eyed Susans symbolize encouragement, Justice and motivation. Other common names for this plant include: Brown-eyed Susan, Brown Betty, Gloriosa Daisy, Golden Jerusalem, English Bull's Eye, Poor-Land Daisy, Yellow Daisy, and Yellow Ox-Eye Daisy. In the psychology realm, the Black-Eyed Susan's essence has been said to address the shadow aspects of the personality. The dark brown center of the flower, for which it is named, stimulates us to go into the dark depths of our own center within. Its golden, petal-like, rays extend out from the dark center reaching towards the light; and they bring the light back to the flower’s dark center. Be at peace with all aspects of yourself, even the qualities you place in the shadow. Life is about balance. Like Carl Jung~ without your shadow how can you possibly be whole? Stretch yourself outward, and inward. Reach towards the depth within your soul. There lies beauty in your entirety✨

The Peony✨

Peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor. They come in many varieties of colors and petal styles. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity. They are regarded as an omen of good fortune. The Peony is the traditional floral symbol of China, and in Chinese it is named "beautiful." Give yourself permission to be prosperous, give yourself permission to be beautiful and most importantly give yourself permission to flourish in your beauty and hard work. Allow yourself to love and to be loved in return~ you are more than deserving of it✨

The Ivy✨

The Ivy, being an evergreen plant, represents eternity, fidelity, and strong affectionate attachment, such as wedded love and friendship. The ivy plant is also a strong plant which can grow in the hardest enviroment. Another association of Ivy as an evergreen, is perennial life and immortality. Live without fear, fear is but a perception of the mind. You are resilient, you are a survivor. Love to all ends, grow your roots in each individual you meet. Never allow room for question with how you stand. Have courage to open your heart to all that you meet, because everyone is worthy of being loved. You have a heart of gold, everything you touch is proof of that. Never let anyone tell you otherwise✨

The Coneflower✨

Echinacea, commonly known as the Coneflower means Strength or Health. This flower also falls into the family, Eupatorium, commonly known as Joe Pye Weed, which can also symbolize Love or Respect in floriography. It can also be classified as a Euphorbia, which means Purification or Protection. Coneflowers are strong providers to most birds during the harsh winters. The entire blossom is made of seeds, and birds feed on them and in turn help propagate more Coneflowers. There is a mutual respect between both organisms to help each other, or in the realm of biology this symbiotic relationship is called Mutualism. There comes great strength in wanting others to succeed and helping them to do so. Comparison truly is the root of all heartache. Not everyone's journey is the same, there are numerous factors that go into shaping a person. However the world is hard enough as it is, don't let your experiences make you bitter, especially towards others. True grace is when you can witness others succeeding and be happy for them.✨

The Petunia✨

The petunia flower has many different symbolisms. It can symbolize anger and resentment especially when they are presented by someone with whom you have recently had a heated disagreement. They can also symbolize your desire to spend time with someone because you find their company soothing and peaceful. According to some sources, petunias are also a symbol of not losing hope. Hurts can be healed and difficulties can be overcome. Hold onto hope. Anything is possible. See the light despite being in the darkness. This too shall pass. Believe that there are beautiful and better things. Do not lose hope. Pain is real, but so is hope. It is the very thing that keeps us all alive ✨

The Rose✨

The beauty of this flower expresses promise, hope, passion and new beginnings. It is contrasted by thorns symbolizing defense, loss, and thoughtlessness. The rose is considered a symbol of balance. The Rose has been used in many past time stories, and has a variety of symbolisms when considering its color. Though the red rose has a long and storied history, it still reigns as the ultimate symbol of passionate affection. Purpose and promise are the reasons for our journeys. Passion is energy. Passion is the fire that fuels and lights the way. Give rise to new beginnings. Do not be afraid to start over and give yourself room to grow. There is rebirth in new beginnings. Rediscover yourself constantly. Give power to your passion because it is most certainly your calling. ✨

The Tansy✨

The Tansy, also referred as the Common Tansy, Golden Buttons, Bitter Buttons, Cow Bitter, Mugwort and Garden Tansy. Its scientific name is Tanacetum vulgare. It is said to symbolize Wild, Resistance, Health, and Longevity. Do not be discouraged by resistance. Allow yourself to change, to stay wild. Forever adapting. Do not let this world, and their society tame you. Do not be afraid to stay true to yourself always. It'll be better for you in the long run✨

The Queen Anne's Lace✨

Queen Anne's Lace is also called Wild Carrot (since Queen Anne's Lace is the wild progenitor of today's carrot), Bishop's Lace or Bird's Nest (for the nest-like appearance of the bright white and rounded flower in full bloom). In the language of flowers, Queen Anne's Lace represents sanctuary, they can demonstrate serenity, peace, and security when gifted. Allow for there to be stillness in your presence. Allow yourself to withdraw and find peace. You have everything you need. You only need be still. Reacquaint yourself with yourself. This is a sanctuary that you can retreat to. ✨

The Daisy✨

Daisies symbolize innocence and purity. ... In Norse mythology, the daisy is Freya's sacred flower. Freya is the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, and as such the daisy came by symbolize childbirth, motherhood, and new beginnings. Allow love into your life, care for those that have nothing to offer you. Open your heart.You have nothing to lose by treating others kindly. You only have room to gain. Through vulnerability comes strength. We can't live our lives expecting everyone to do us wrong. Stop projecting your insecurities on to others. Love is often confused with pain, and that just goes to show that we have a skewed perception of love actually is. Love is the only thing that heals wounds, it is the only thing that covers up pain and makes us feel alive again. Why is this so hard? Why must we inquire and determine if others are worthy of our love first? We are blinded by our judgements. our hypocrisies. our lies. Love is supposed to be pure of that. Love others without motive or purpose. Allow others to be free in who they are. Provide them that safe space✨

The Sunflower✨

Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity. Much of the meaning of sunflowers stems from its namesake, the sun itself.... Sunflowers are known for being “happy” flowers, making them the perfect gift to bring joy to someone's (or your) day. Allow happiness into your life. When did you lose your sense of bliss? Have you truly seen it all? Allow yourself to find joy in the ordinary. Joy is not your circumstance, it is the position of your heart. Life is a matter of perspective. When did you decide that you were no longer worthy of being loved? Let your friends love you.✨

The Birdsfoot Trefoil✨

Birdsfoot Trefoil is defined as a thing having three parts; a set of three. The birdsfoot Trefoil is a European plant of the pea family, it has yellow flowers and three-lobed clover-like leaves. It is said to symbolize elicate pleasure, blissful pleasure, departure, goodbye, thank you for the lovely time and adieu. Prioritize pleasure. Allow yourself to indulge occasionally. We are so busy working, we forget to enjoy ourselves. It is not a crime to be happy. Wish others good fortune and happiness. Allow for things to come and go in your life. Goodbyes are not always forever. But some things aren't always meant to stay either. However true love never leaves you entirely, even if that person does. The important thing to learn is that wherever you go, just go with all your heart ✨

The Lilac✨

Lilacs are frequently considered a harbinger of spring, with the time of their bloom signaling whether spring will be early or late. White lilacs symbolize purity and innocence. Violet lilacs symbolize spirituality. Blue lilacs symbolize happiness and tranquility. Magenta lilacs symbolize love and passion. Lilac, the color for which this flower is named, is a light purple that symbolizes a first love. Although various colors of lilacs have different meanings, the lilac has always had a strong association with love and romance throughout history✨

The Phlox✨

Phlox flowers come in many shapes, sizes and colors. This flower has over 60 subspecies alone! The name of this plant derives from the Latin word with which they are still recognized, “phlox”, which means “flame”. This is because the shape of the flowers and leaves, and their colors, vividly remind the element of fire. Because of the connection to a burning flame, the Phlox flower’s meanings are almost fully related to love! The famous quote "Love is a burning flame" has been seen to be true for many successful relationships. It is calmer than the love at first sight, Passion and lust can consume love and leave nothing but ashes... Instead of instant fireworks, over time someone to whom we weren't initially attracted becomes beautiful. That in itself is quite the show. The Phlox often symbolizes good partnership, unity of souls, harmony, proposal and represents sweet dreams✨

The Flowering Apple✨

Apple blossoms as a whole symbolize good health, happiness, wisdom and eternal love. Similarly, Celtic mythology often mentions apples as the fruit of the gods that brings a sense of wholeness, healing and connection with nature. The famous saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, should have been in reference to the beautiful blossoms the apple tree gives. The Crab Apple Blossom has long been associated with love and marriage.

Even during the worst hardships, when the other things in our lives seem to fall apart, we can still find peace in the eternal love ✨

The Weigela✨

The Weigela symbolizes faithfulness, accepting a faithful heart, grace and yielding to love. This flowering bush comes in with variation in sizes. Weigelas come in many foliage colors. Colors can range anywhere from green and gold to deep burgundy while showing a glossy finish. Shades of red and pink are still the dominant colors of weigela blooms, but new varieties have white and yellow options. It can be grown in pretty much extreme cold climates to moderately warm climates making it a very adaptable beautiful flowering bush of choice.

When love comes knocking at your door, will you yield to it? Allow it to come inside? Will you accept a faithful heart or will you hold on to past resentments and bitterness? How deep does your self sabotage run? Stop chasing hard to get love, allow something full of grace to enter you life. You too deserve solace in your own heart✨

The Mum (Chrysanthemums)✨

Chrysanthemums commonly known as "Mums" are Daisy-like with a typically yellow center and a decorative pompon. They are named from the Greek prefix "chrys-" meaning golden (its original color) and "-anthemion," meaning flower, years of artful cultivation have produced a full range of colors, from white to purple to red. A symbol of the sun, the Japanese consider the orderly unfolding of the chrysanthemum's petals to represent perfection, and Confucius once suggested they be used as an object of meditation. Since the flower blooms in the fall, the chrysanthemum signifies joy and beauty despite the oncoming winter. Chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors (which all have their own meaning) but the flower itself generally symbolize optimism and joy✨

The Burning Bush✨

Euonymus alatus is commonly known as the burning bush, the spindle tree, winged spindle, and winged euonymus. The wood of the burning bush is bright, colorful and was used to make spindles. As the name implies, it was used for making spindles and, possibly because of this, it has become associated with crafts and creative endeavors. For the Celts it is thought to have symbolized completing lessons in order to move forward,  as well as sweetness and delight. It has been been known to symbolize creative inspiration, purification, initiation and blessings.

We create art because we have a need to. It's a form of self expression. We create and capture our own reality. Your art is not about how many people like your art, your art is about if your heart likes your work. If your soul likes your work. It's about how honest you are with yourself and you must never trade honesty for relatability✨

The Clover Flower✨

Clovers are not one flower but are a head of flowers, also known as an inflorescence. Each one of the slender, white things in the head is a flower. White clovers have ball-shaped lovely flowers and it is said that four-leaf clovers will bring happiness. The white clover can symbolize to live a carefree life of ease, comfort, or prosperity. The language of white clovers are also “happiness”, “promise”, “Think of me”, and “Be mine”. It’s so romantic, isn’t it? ✨

Creeping Charlie✨

Creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is often called ground ivy due to its appearance and growth habits. Creeping Charlie got its name from the plant's tendency to spread rapidly and create ground cover. Creeping Charlie's scientific name is Glechoma hederacea. "Glechoma" is a Greek word used to refer to a member of the mint family; hederacea is a genus of ivy, which references the plant's creeping quality.

It has many common names depending on what region you are in: Herb Tuppence, Herb Twopence, Twopenny Grass, String of Sovereigns, Wandering Jenny, Wandering Tailor, Wandering Sally, Creeping Charlie, Creeping John, Creeping Jenny, Creeping Joan, Money Plant, Honesty, olbonac, Silver Dollar, Penny Flower, Moonwort, Running Jenny, Meadow Runagates, Two Penigrasse, and Serpentaria.

This ground ivy symbolizes Release from strife and symbolizes Peacemaking.

Allow yourself to feel solace, bask in your own inner peace. Release yourself from negative thoughts and self constraints✨