Many of us will go on a pilgrimage at some point in our lives, literally or metaphorically. This is my tribute to any pilgrim who has been on that journey. The arrangement isn’t perfectly symmetrical to remind us that anything we create is not perfect, only G-d can be that.

The Iris at the head of the arrangement has appeared in art since the 15th century. It is symbolic of Christ or divine rule and of the Virgin Mary as the Heavenly Queen. Either side of the Iris is Columbine. This flower’s five petals form the shape of a dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit and of peace. The Columbine’s leaf divides into three so it is also symbolic of the Trinity.

Peonies speak of lost abundance or bygone beauty but because they flower at Pentecost they are also associated with the Holy Ghost and their triple leaves with the Trinity. The rose is the most common flower depicted in art since the Ancient Greeks, symbolising every kind of love. They still represent devotion, in all its forms, and often reference the Virgin Mary. Some of the scholars writing the books on emblems state that its most important property, above the beauty of the bloom, is the scent that lingers, like true love. The scallop shell has long been associated with pilgrimage, particularly with the Camino de Santiago. It is a metaphor for pilgrimage when the journey is more important than the destination. White birds’ feathers speak of distant travels and the broken egg could be interpreted as a new life beginning, perhaps because of the journey undertaken.

Mine has been varied and last major change occurred after being treated for two different cancers close together. So, here I am, still exploring, still creating. Who knows where the next turn will take me.

If you’ve experienced such a journey, this piece is dedicated to you and I hope it brings you peace.

Printed using archival quality inks on aluminium dibond framed in a gold coloured aluminium ArtBox. Print size 96x79cm, Frame size 97x80cm.