Snakes in the Grass. Unfinished.

Snakes in the Grass. Unfinished.

Why is a painting of flowers "just flowers?" I mean...sure, that's fine if that's actually what it is...but it's almost a prerequisite in most people's minds. If you show a painting like this, many people will first say, "How pretty," some people will say "it's lovely" and some will say "nice flowers." But almost no one asks what it means...what is symbolizes...what it's concept is....and being that that is usually a first question for a good deal of my other art...I just wonder why?

Ok...so I know why...it's a pretty subject, a subject that's been meaningless a billion times over...and one that's frankly, usually, accompanied by old ladies, frilly table cloths and floral patterned couches (Not that any of those are bad). But come on...flowers can be so many things. They represent life and beauty, and with that, can represent the opposite. They have color and vibrance, and thus, create a great juxtaposition with the other side. They are so beautiful on the surface that the second look can be shocking or unexpected.

It's such an obvious object, but so much can be done because of that.

So...maybe it's not the object that's boring...maybe it's not the viewer that isn't looking....maybe us artists simply need to get our act together. A painting of flowers CAN be boring, expected and rehashed...but I suppose that's up to the artist...

Flowers, in my opinion, can be as strong and meaningful as even the most powerful symbol...it's just up to the artist to give the subject the time and thought it deserves.