Flowers and Flirtations: Nature as Inspiration

Sweet Dreams | Jane E Porter

I've always had a deep love for nature, and it's been an ongoing source of inspiration. But, after a quiet dalliance with landscape painting, I quickly realised it wasn’t my forte. However, the natural world offers a rich source of symbols and metaphors, which provide a plethora of opportunities to add them as storytelling elements.

One of the most poignant metaphors I find in nature is the cycle of impermanence. Just as flowers bloom and wither, everything in life has its season. Deepak Chopra once referred to being, ‘in the Autumn’ of his life which I found very meaningful and endearing.

Just like the natural world, life is filled with periods of growth and dormancy, light and darkness. In the bitter chill of winter, nature rests, conserving energy for the rebirth of spring. She reminds us that no matter how dark or challenging life can become, there is the possibility to start over, to bloom again.

And nature is everywhere. As humans, we are inextricably linked to her, as we depend on plants, animals and microorganisms. As artists (and humans 😉) she generously offers an endless source of material to study, paint and write about. The flower doesn’t mind if I photograph her or capture her best side unlike painting a portrait where the stakes can be very high.

My latest painting 'Sweet Dreams' led me to research the symbolism associated with the flower and come up with the title. Symbolism can be subjective; attaching your meaning is as important as the artist’s intention. Below are a variety of interpretations of poppies I think you’ll find interesting:

Poppies: Facts, Fiction and Symbolism

Papaver somniferum L., commonly known as the opium poppy or breadseed poppy, is a medicinal plant known to the human race since ancient civilizations. Inside the seed pod is an opaque, milky sap. This is opium in its crudest form. Opium is a powerful narcotic whose derivatives include morphine, codeine, heroin, and oxycodone. ‘Narcotic’ refers to opium, opium derivatives, and their semi-synthetic substitutes, used therapeutically to treat pain, suppress cough and induce anaesthesia. They are some of the most addictive substances known to man.

Sleep

In Greek and Roman myths, poppies were used as offerings to the dead and used as emblems on tombstones. They symbolised eternal sleep because of the sedative qualities of opium.

Hypnos, the god of sleep, often holds a poppy or places poppy flowers on someone’s head to help them sleep. Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, also used poppies to help people sleep and find rest from their troubles.

In The Wizard of Oz, poppies had a memorable story element:

‘And now my beauties, something with poison in it I think, with poison in it, but attractive to the eye and soothing to the smell . . . poppies, poppies, poppies will put them to sleep.’ The Wicked Witch of the West, The Wizard of Oz (movie, released 1939).

‘Now it is well known that when there are many of these flowers together their odour is so powerful that anyone who breathes it falls asleep, and if the sleeper is not carried away from the scent of the flowers, he sleeps on and on forever...’ Excerpt from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (book, published 1900)

Sleep and Dreams

Morpheus, meaning transformation, was the son of Hypnos and the god of dreams. His attributes included a horn of sleep-inducing opium. Morphine, an opium derivative, gets its name from Morpheus.

The Greek gods often chose him as their messenger to appear in the dreams of mortals. Dreams could liberate the desires, hopes, and imaginations of the sleeper and, upon waking, would motivate them toward action. However, some dreams could portray false realities, manipulating the receiver into untoward action.

Remembrance

The most common association with poppies today is remembrance, particularly for those who have died in war. This association is linked to historical events where scarlet corn poppies grew in soil disturbed by war. Poppies grew in fields across Europe during World War I, despite the destruction and death caused by the war.

Hope

Poppies are a metaphor for hope of a peaceful future. They thrive even in the poorest soil, rest during the winter and bloom again in the spring, the season of rebirth.

Resurrection

In Christianity, poppies symbolise the blood of Christ, his resurrection and his ascension. Poppies often grow where the earth has been disturbed and are connected to new life emerging from death or destruction. The Bible refers to the ‘flower of the field’, which could refer to any flower however poppies became part of Christian belief in popular culture and art.

Magic and Witchcraft

This is a true story! Poppies were used in spells and charms to create mental confusion and prevent rational thinking. The seeds are connected to the astrological sign of Gemini, the planets, Neptune and the moon, Ajna, also known as the third-eye chakra, associated with intuition, insight, spiritual awareness and feminine energy.

Thanks for reading until the end. I got quite lost in the symbolism research but learned a lot, pretty good for a late Friday afternoon.

Did you find the symbolism behind poppies intriguing? Do you have any thoughts or experiences of symbols and metaphors in art or other media you’d like to share? Please leave a comment below and keep the conversation going!

As always, have a wonderful weekend.

Janee x

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Jane E Porter is a fine artist and illustrator from Scotland, dedicated to exploring and understanding the fascinating interplay between art, psychology and philosophy. As she navigates her own search for meaning, she shares insights and observations made over the past two decades with a delightful mix of wit and wisdom. Join her as she continues her journey, delving into these themes, offering you fresh perspectives and insights on art, identity and storytelling.

Resources

The Wizard of Oz

Greek Gods

Transforming Opium Poppies

Poppy Flower Meaning

Honouring the Iconic Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo | digital painting

Honouring the iconic Frida Kahlo.  Finding a unique way to capture her essence wasn't easy, given the abundance of stunning Frida portraits out there. Eventually, I decided to depict her in a Day of the Dead makeup, as I love the aesthetic and it feels like a fitting tribute to this remarkable artist. 

Frida Kahlo's talent and unwavering determination have always inspired me. Despite the harrowing accident she endured at just 18 years old, she continued to create breathtaking art, often painting from her bed. 

Frida is often considered a feminist artist. Her artwork and life experiences have greatly influenced feminist movements and discussions. Through her paintings, Kahlo explored themes of identity, gender, and the female experience. She portrayed her own struggles, physical pain, and emotions, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. How could I not be an admirer 🥰 .

Please share any thoughts, questions, or suggestions in the comments below.

Have a wonderful weekend.

For more art, follow me on Instagram and Facebook.  

The Hitchhiker's Guide to Art and Allegory: The Power of Visual Storytelling

Who doesn't love a good story?  Storytelling in art is as old as the human race itself. It's the caveman's version of Netflix. From the primitive etchings on cave walls to the intricate hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt, humans have always had a penchant for a good yarn. And why wouldn't we? Stories are the spice of life, the universal language that connects us to each other.

Fast forward a few millennia and the art of visual storytelling continues. We traded in our cave walls for canvases, our chisels for brushes, creating remarkable religious paintings, like Michelangelo's awe-inspiring frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Historical masterpieces, such as Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' and Delacroix's 'Liberty Leading the People,' vividly narrate stories of bygone eras. Graphic novels and comics illustrate modern storytelling through art, with their unique art styles contributing to the overall mood and theme.

Installation artists like Yayoi Kusama and Christo and Jeanne-Claude have taken storytelling to new heights, crafting immersive experiences that delve into personal and societal issues. Street art and murals also embrace storytelling, as seen by Banksy's humorous, yet challenging spin on social and political matters. And murals serve as community biographies, sharing tales of history and culture, one wall at a time.

But why are we so drawn to stories in art? Well, it's all in our heads – literally. Our brains are hardwired to respond to narratives. Stories engage our emotions, spark our imagination, and can even shape our beliefs and behaviors. When we see a story in a piece of art, we're not just looking at it, we're interpreting it, connecting it with our own experiences and finding meaning in it.

And the best part? Stories stick. They linger in our minds long after we've left the gallery or closed the book. They're like a catchy tune – we may not remember the lyrics, but the melody stays with us.

So, whether it's a painting that takes you back in time, a comic strip that unfolds a gripping narrative, or an installation that immerses you in a new reality, storytelling in art has the power to move us, challenge us, and make us think. It's not just a tool for artists to express their vision, it's an invitation to step into their world and see a, potentially new perspective.

Let's take a look at three contemporary artists who use story to get their message out there…

Kara Walker, a true maestro of monochrome is known for her controversial exploration of race, gender and sexuality. Walker's black, silhouetted figures might seem simple at first glance, but they're anything but. Each silhouette is a chapter in the grim narrative of American slavery and racism. Her storytelling technique is both confrontational and deeply engaging, forcing us to grapple with uncomfortable truths.

Kara Walker | Slaughter of the Innocents 2016

Ai Weiwei, the Chinese contemporary artist and activist uses a variety of media - sculpture, installation, photography and film - to comment on cultural identity, individualism and government oppression, particularly related to his home country of China. His installation 'Sunflower Seeds,' comprising 100 million seeds individually handcrafted in porcelain, is more than just a sea of hand-painted seeds, it's a commentary on mass production and loss of individuality. 

Ai Weiwei | Sunflower Seeds |The Tate Modern CREDIT: Photo: GETTY

Art Bite - The Tate bought, approximately 8 million (10 tonnes) of the individual sculptures, less than a 10th of the installation in China, but still the largest number of works of art ever acquired.  

Marina Abramović, the 'grandmother of performance art' doesn't just tell stories; she lives them. She uses her own body as a canvas, pushing its limits to tell stories of human emotion and relationships. For her piece, 'The Artist is Present,' she sat in silent stillness as museum visitors took turns sitting across from her. No words, no movement, just a shared experience, an example of storytelling at its most intimate.

Marina Abramović | The Artist Is Present 2012 

Despite their different mediums and themes, all three artists share a common thread, they use their art to tell stories that provoke thought and stimulate discussion. In doing so, they have made a profound impact on the art world and the many who have experienced their work.  For example …

Kara Walker's work has been exhibited in prominent institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim. Her 2014 installation at the Domino Sugar Factory in Brooklyn, 'A Subtlety,' drew over 130,000 visitors and sparked widespread discussion about race and history in the media.

Ai Weiwei's 'Sunflower Seeds' installation at the Tate Modern in 2010 was a critical success, with The Guardian calling it a 'work of genius.' His activism and criticism of the Chinese government have also made international headlines, bringing attention to issues of human rights and freedom of expression in China.

Marina Abramović's 2010 performance at the Museum of Modern Art, 'The Artist is Present,' attracted over 850,000 visitors, with many reporting deeply emotional experiences. The performance was also the subject of a documentary, bringing performance art to a wider audience.

These examples demonstrate how each artist has made significant impacts in the art world and beyond, influencing public discourse and challenging societal norms.

To Wrap Up

Without context or an understanding of the narrative, it can be easy to look at works, such as those described in this article, and perceive them as 'just sunflower seeds' or 'simple paper cut-outs'. For sure, I've been guilty of such comments myself. But art isn't just about what meets the eye. Instead of a quick 'meh', let's ask, 'What's the artist really trying to say here? Is there something I'm not seeing because I'm caught up in aesthetic?' 

These pieces are stories, commentaries, and dialogues that invite us to see the world from a different perspective, perhaps one we may not want to consider. In my experience as an artist and a human, I've found that what I try to avoid usually evolves into the most transformative. Engaging with art goes beyond appreciating the artist's vision; it's about the effect the work has on us, stirring something deep within. Every story has the potential to change even a sliver of our identity.

If you can relate to the influence stories have played in your life, whether positive or negative, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.  And if you enjoyed this article, please share the love.

Have a great weekend.    

Resources

Kara Walker | Slaughter of the Innocents

Kara Walker 

Ai WeiWei | Sunflower Seeds

Ai WeiWei | Sunflower Seeds at The Tate

Ai WeiWei and the Sunflower Seeds

Marina Abramović's | The Artist is Present

Marina Abramović's | The Artist is Present, Moma

Jane E Porter is a fine artist and illustrator from Scotland, dedicated to exploring and understanding the fascinating interplay between art, psychology and philosophy. As she navigates her own search for meaning, she shares insights and observations made over the past two decades with a delightful mix of wit and wisdom. Join her as she continues her journey, delving into these themes, offering you fresh perspectives and insights on art, identity and storytelling. 

Show, Don't Tell: The Artist's Guide to Keeping Secrets

Monet, Les Nymphéas - Musée de l'Orangerie

This article delves into the fascinating concept of the 'Show, Don't Tell' principle, creative expression, and Monet's final chapter.

In the realm of creative expression, there exists a captivating concept known as the 'Show, Don't Tell' principle.; It may sound like the name of a sex tape but, it's actually a technique used in various forms of storytelling, including writing, filmmaking, and visual art.  This technique offers the audience an immersive experience, allowing them to delve into the story and its characters through actions, thoughts, and emotions, rather than mere factual descriptions. It adds drama, sparks intrigue and keeps us eagerly hooked.

Consider, for a moment, the experience of reading a mystery novel—a fun exercise in piecing together clues and solving a puzzle. The author, skilfully conceals the culprit's identity, ensuring we remain in suspense, craving for more.  They present us with a series of events, characters, and clues, inviting us to connect the dots and unlock the secrets within.

Here's How It Works in Visual Art

Instead of telling you what to think or feel, artists give us visual clues, colours, shapes, and symbols to show us an interpretation of the world.  They tease and tempt us, creating moods, stories, and ideas, leaving us to ponder their deeper meanings. 

Like solving a mystery, the process of discovery speaks directly to our emotions and imagination, creating a personal and unforgettable experience.  The more profound our emotional response, the more lasting the memory.

By 'showing' rather than 'telling', artists can engage their audience on a deeper level, urging them to actively participate with the artwork and craft their own interpretations - the more imaginative, the better.  For artists yearn to fuel our creative sensibilities, inviting us to become co-creators in their evocative narrative.

Let's now turn our gaze to some examples of the 'Show, Don't Tell' principle in visual art:

From left to right: Dali, The Persistence of Memory 1931 | Pollock, Convergence 1952 | Rothko, Green, Blue, Green 1969 | Banksy, Show Me The Money 2005

• Impressionism: This movement was all about capturing the fleeting impressions of light and colour in a scene. Instead of telling us what to see, artists like Monet and Renoir offered a new way of looking at the world.
  
  
• Surrealism: Surrealist artists like Salvador Dalí immersed us in bizarre, dreamlike imagery to give a glimpse into the subconscious mind, left open to the audience's interpretation.  What does a melting clock mean to you?  The answer lies within your imagination.
  
  
• Abstract Expressionism: This movement was all about conveying emotion through colour and form. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko showed their inner feelings through their art, beckoning us to uncover our own emotional baggage landscape.  Digging into the emotions of Pollock or Rothko would require another post or two!!
  
  
• Street Art: Street artists like Banksy use their art to comment on social and political issues. Banksy shows us a number of perspectives on these issues, that include humour and poignancy.  They challenge us to question, to reflect, and engage.

Our own interpretations may prove more exciting and memorable than the artist's original intention—and that's perfectly fine. Trust me, I'm an artist!

Exploring Monet's Approach 

Now, let's take a deeper look into Impressionism, specifically Oscar-Claude Monet (14 November 1840 - 5 December 1926).

Monet, Waterlillies (1910)

A couple of weeks ago my brother and I visited Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, home to 8 of Claude Monet's outstanding Nymphéas (Water Lillies).  Each panel stands tall at 6.5 feet (1.97m), and hangs on the curved walls of two egg-shaped rooms, covering an expansive surface area of 2,153 square feet (200 m2).  The ensemble is one of the largest monumental achievements of painting in the first half of the twentieth century.  

Upon entering the first room, I was immediately struck by the darkness of the paintings. This was unexpected, as my previous encounters with Monet's work, whether at Giverny, MOMA in New York, or in numerous books, had always been characterized by their vibrant light and vivid colours.  Could these dark, beautiful paintings be a reflection of Monet's inner sadness? 

Monet began working on the Water Lilies series for the Musée de l'Orangerie in 1914, a year marked by personal tragedy.  In 1911, he lost his second wife, Alice Hoschedé, and in 1914, his eldest son, Jean. Alice had played a significant role in Monet's life, providing him with emotional support and caring for their children.  His grief was profound, and his art became an indispensable medium for navigating the depths of sorrow.  As the last surviving Impressionist, Monet was also mourning the loss of his dear friends and fellow artists, especially Renoir and Cézanne.  Could the dark palette of the Water Lilies be a visual testament to these losses?

Monet's eyesight was also deteriorating, and after initial refusal, he underwent cataract surgery in 1923.  Post-surgery, he struggled with cyanopsia, a condition where everything appears to have a blue tint.  Frustration and self-doubt plagued him during this period, leading him to destroy some of his earlier works. However, by 1925, Monet's vision improved, and he was able to resume painting.

His postoperative works retained the impressionistic focus of light and colour but also exhibited characteristics of abstract art.  In other words, up close, we see heavy brush strokes, dabs of colour, and seemingly abstract shapes.  However, as we step back, something magical happens - our brains piece together the puzzle of abstract elements and the shapes and colours take on new meaning. We gain a glimpse of a tranquil pond dappled with water lilies and lush foliage. This departure from a more realistic representation gives us opportunity to put our own slant on what we see and feel. 

And so, how does the story of Les Nimphéas (Water Lilies) for Musée de l'Orangerie conclude?  The contract, signed between Monet and the French government on 12th April 1922, stipulated that he would donate the Nymphéas series of decorative panels to the French State.  But Monet wasn't ready to hand over his cherished creations.  He was a perfectionist and never fully satisfied with his work so the handover was repeatedly delayed.  Georges Clemenceau, a close friend of Monet and the Prime Minister of France, expressed his frustration.  He wrote, 'You are well aware that you have reached the limit of what can be achieved with power of the brush and of the mind.'

Undeterred by Clemenceu's letter, Monet continued to work on the 'Water Lilies' until his death in 1926. It was only after his death that the paintings were finally installed in Musée de l'Orangerie, where they remain on display today in the arrangement that Monet had envisioned.

To Condude

In conclusion, artists channel their emotions through their chosen medium. The darkness surrounding Monet's Water Lilies may not have been a conscious decision but rather a natural expression of the sadness and loneliness he experienced during those final years. This poignant example exemplifies the 'Show, Don't Tell', principle in art - where emotions and experiences are conveyed through visual elements rather than explicit descriptions.

As we reflect upon the 'Show, Don't Tell' principle in art, let's not confine its relevance solely to the realm of artistic creation. Instead, let's think about how it plays out in our own lives.  This is where the expression, 'art imitates life' is a good example of that very idea.  Are we adopting the 'Show, Don't Tell' principle without being aware of it?  Do we rely too heavily on being understood while leaving vital sentiments unspoken?  This type of non-verbal communication can often land us in the soup.  While a touch of mystery can be alluring, hoping others can figure us out, without any kind of explanation is an ambitious pursuit.  

We don't have to lay all our cards on the table, but recognising the importance of clear communication—a dialogue that bridges the gaps between our hearts and minds, allows us to craft deeper connections and understanding.  The 'Show, Don't Tell' principle teaches us the value of nuance, the power of visual cues and subtle gestures that speak volumes.  Knowing when and how to embrace it can, not only nourish our creative souls but enhance our relationships and daily lives.

I hope you found this article informative and entertaining.  If you did, please share the love by clicking on one of the share buttons below.  And please share any thoughts, questions, or suggestions in the comments below.

Have a wonderful weekend.

For more art, follow me on Instagram and Facebook.  

Resources

History of the Water Lilies Cycle  

Why Monet's Paintings of Water Lilies Are So Iconic 

How To Read Paintings: Monet’s Water Lilies  

Claude Monet “Water Lilies” – Impressions of Monet’s Water Lily Art  

The Effect of Cataracts and Cataract Surgery on Claude Monet 

Symbolism: The Secret Language of Art and Life

Imagine a world without emojis 😩!!  Symbols are like secret emojis in the art world. They're little images or objects that artists use to speak to us without saying a word. 

Just as emojis add depth to our digital conversations, artists throughout history have harnessed the power of symbols to convey complex ideas, evoke emotions, and tell captivating stories.  Symbols let artists share big ideas, deep emotions, and incredible stories in a way that goes beyond ordinary pictures and emojis.

Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist, used symbols to express her innermost thoughts and experiences. Her self-portraits were a prominent part of her artistic repertoire. Frida used her own image as a symbol of self-expression, exploring themes of identity, individuality, and self-reflection.

Nature and its elements were another recurring motif in Frida's paintings. Symbolic representations of animals, such as monkeys, deer, and birds, often appeared in her works. Monkeys represented both playfulness and pain, while deer symbolized vulnerability and birds signified freedom and escape.

Frida incorporated symbolic objects and elements like flowers, thorns, and broken columns. Each had its own unique significance, representing various aspects of her life, emotions, and struggles. When people looked at her art, these symbols made them curious and encouraged them to think more deeply about what they meant. It was like an invitation to explore and understand the emotions and stories that were hidden beneath the surface of her paintings.

Symbolism in art is an enchanting realm where hidden stories and emotions come to life.  It has this amazing ability to make us feel things we can't explain. It goes beyond our conscious thoughts and taps into something much deeper. Symbols can spark incredible stories in our minds or bring back memories we thought were forgotten.  And the best part: we don't have to know what the artist meant. Our own interpretation is just as relevant as theirs.  It's like a collaboration between us and the artist, where our imagination meets theirs.

Symbols are everywhere, movies, art, books, and gaming, waiting for you to decode their hidden messages.  Explore the world of symbolism, and let your imagination soar as you decipher the secret language of art and life.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please spread the love! 💕

image: Self-Portrait with thorn necklace and hummingbird/Google Arts & Culture