wax bloom

before starting a modified flower painting, the first thing i do is research. i use a variety of websites to research flowers' medicinal properties and to find images of flowers-photos & technical illustrations. i usually have 6-8 websites open at one time to cross reference information. i write all the info down in a chart format so i can find it easily later during the sketching of the flowers.

these are just 2 of the charts i've made so far.
the columns are:
file name - the name of the image file i download
scientific name - the 'proper' name for the plant - genus & species & sometimes family. with some websites i use, i find more info or images by searching for the family so this is important.
common name - the name that the plant is commonly known as
uses - this is the important part. since all the flowers must have a use for the female reproductive system.

the red check marks indicate that i've already finished a painting of that flowering plant.

click on the images for a larger view!

Labels: modified flowers

this past weekend i visited adrienne outlaw's studio to help with her latest sculpture, 'shelter'.
Shelter will be part of an exhibition at the Art Museum of the University of Memphis. you can read more about the entire exhibition, "Seek Shelter", on her website: http://adrienneoutlaw.com/Seek.html
below is a short video of the sculpture in her studio. this is just one moment out of the countless hours hundreds of community members have spent on this project.
every part of the sculpture that you see that is silver is made up of small nails, about 1.2 million in its entirety. many thanks to adrienne for opening up her studio to the community. i personally had a wonderful, inspiring experience and i'm sure many others have as well. :)