A post by artist Penny Otto
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change.” – Buddha
It was 2023. A gift of an old picture frame with instructions to “put something in it” was responsible for launching me on a new yet classical theme of flowers.
Only something tall and straight would fit the frame and so my subject became a a tall vase containing a leafy stalk conveniently on the dining table.
Outside in the garden calendula are flowering even though we are just edged into spring in Tāmaki Makaurau. Their gold petals have a striking effect against the surrounding greenery.
From the row of camellias, fluffs of pink and red drift down onto the concrete below. I rescue two and set them afloat in a dish of water.
I love how camellias (originally from Japan) create a flowery scene in the grayest part of the year in the Southern hemisphere. The “floating in water” works (above) reflect this area’s wet winter.
Thankfully it is now warmer and even long awaited planted pots, on my door step, are creeping into life, with carnations!
Below are my crazy carnations. Their jointed stems give them an articulated look.
“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” – Henri Matisse
A Flowers Art Collective Christmas show at Lake House in Takapuna will open on November 17th and run until December 5th 2024. All welcome! Two of my flower works will be exhibited here.
Penny Otto 
Leave a comment