An Artistic Exploration of Women, Nature, and Resilience
I originally developed this concept for a museum’s local artist initiative, hoping to bring the exhibition to life in a public space. While I wasn’t selected for the opportunity, I remain incredibly proud of this idea and am excited to explore it further. Instead of a large-scale museum installation, I plan to develop these concepts into more manageable shadow box pieces, continuing to celebrate the intersection of femininity, nature, and history through my work.
This series challenges the historical trivialization of floral imagery as merely decorative or "frivolous," reclaiming it as a powerful symbol of resilience, creativity, and autonomy. This project celebrates five trailblazing women who used flowers and plants to defy societal expectations and shape history. By spotlighting these figures, I hope to encourage viewers to reconsider the value of traditionally feminine aesthetics and embrace curiosity about the legacies of these extraordinary women.
Each of these women brought their own unique contributions to history, intertwining their lives with botanical elements in remarkable ways. Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree, integrated Omaha healing traditions with Western medicine, treating both white and nonwhite patients. Her piece will incorporate plants used in traditional Omaha remedies. Harriet Tubman, widely celebrated for her role in the Underground Railroad, was also an expert herbalist, using medicinal plants to aid fugitives and Union soldiers. Her portrait will highlight these elements.
Akiko Yosano, a Japanese feminist and poet, used floral imagery to express female sexuality and emotional depth, and her piece will feature symbolic blooms from her poetry. Edith Wharton, an author who revived and documented the Victorian Language of Flowers, used coded floral meanings to communicate powerful themes that could not be spoken aloud. Her work will be woven into her portrait. Finally, Gertrude Stein, a central figure in the avant-garde art movement, frequently used floral motifs in her poetry to reflect the creative energy of her artistic community.
As a watercolor artist with a special interest in collage, I plan to bring these women’s stories to life through a series of shadow box pieces. Each element in the artwork will be individually hand-drawn, painted, cut out, and collaged together to add depth and visual interest. The layered compositions will create a dynamic experience, revealing and concealing different aspects as viewers move past them.
Although this project was originally envisioned as a museum exhibition, I see great potential in adapting it into a more intimate format. By scaling the work into shadow boxes, I can create personal and accessible pieces that continue to tell these important stories. I’m eager to begin this next phase of the project and share the journey with you.
Stay tuned for updates as I start creating these pieces! If you’d like to follow along, keep an eye on my social media and website for progress shots and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the process. Sign up for my newsletter below to stay updated on my journey and be the first to see new pieces as they come to life!
