In the Language of Flowers

In the Language of Flowers II

by hankinslawrenceimages | Sep 13, 2022 | In the Language of Flowers

Throughout history, people have sent messages with flowers. The Victorians raised it to an art form, where entire conversations and courtships could take place just with flowers. This series of still life photographs is inspired by the messages sent by certain flowers.

Inspiration Still Life © 2020 Patty Hankins

In the language of flowers, siberian irises can represent inspiration and creativity. As I created this photograph, I imagined an aspiring novelist reading some of her favorite books of poetry before sitting down to write her own novel.

In the language of flowers, nigella (also known as Love-In-The-Mist) represents open to love. As I created this still life, I imagined a young women considering a marriage proposal from a young man she has been seeing. She looks back over the cards, notes, and other things associated with their courtship, trying to decide, is he the one she wants so spend her future with.

In the language of flowers, bronze chrysanthemums symbolize friendship. As I created this still life, I imagined a woman about to jot a quick note on a postcard to her best friend. They have been friends since childhood, maintaining their friendship across the miles and through the years by regularly sending notes, letters, cards and photographs.

In the language of flowers, bleeding hearts can symbolize I want to tell you how I feel. As I created this still life, I imaged a young woman home from a formal dance with her current beau. As she puts down her fan and takes off her jewelry, she is already wondering what she will see him again so she can tell him how much she loves him.

In the language of flowers, zinnias symbolized missing you, and statice symbolized I miss you. Inspired by that, I imagined a woman looking back over cards, photos, postcards, and her autograph book thinking of friends she hasn’t seen in a while. Perhaps she’ll decide to write one of them a letter after reliving some wonderful memories.

One Enchanted Evening © 2020 Patty Hankins

In the language of flowers, snapdragons symbolized grace and elegance. Inspired by that, I imagined an elegantly dressed woman home from an exquisite evening out. She has returned home and has laid her fan and jewelry out on her dressing table as she remembers all the wonderful moments of an enchanted evening with the man she loves.

by hankinslawrenceimages | Aug 16, 2022 | In the Language of Flowers

In the language of flowers, hydrangeas can represent interconnectedness. As a genealogist, I connect to my ancestors through what I learn about them in my research, and what I see in the family photos. And yes, those are my ancestors William Lucas Hankins, and his parents Lucas Wurtz Hankins and Mary Ellen Ross pictured in my photograph.

In the language of flowers, one of the meanings for peonies is happy wedding anniversary. For this still life, I imagined a woman thinking back to her wedding day on her anniversary. She has a photograph of herself and her husband on their wedding day, a couple of the cards they were given from cherished friends and family members, and a bouquet of flowers similar to those she carried on her wedding day so many years before.

In the language of flowers, Lupins represent the creative arts and imagination. As I created this still life, I was inspired by the enthusiastic women photographers of the 1910’s and 1920’s, including my grandmother, Evelyn Clara Call. These women photographed their families, their friends, and their adventures. The Kodak company promoted women as photographers through their Kodak Girl advertising campaign. So in the image I’ve placed a vintage Kodak camera, issues of Kodakery, a magazine to help photographers improve their photography, a film box, negative folders, a negative, and a light meter – in other words, everything a Kodak Girl would need to prepare her for her next photographic adventure.

After A Stressful Day © 2020 Patty Hankins

In the the language of flowers, one of the meanings for Lisianthus is comfort. As I created this still life, I imagined a woman at the end of a stressful day, curling up with a cup of tea, a good book, and a chocolate chip cookie.

Planning Ahead Still Life © 2020 Patty Hankins

In the language of flowers, lily of the valley can represent happiness. And I know nothing that makes a gardener happier than planning ahead for what to add to her garden.

Contented Life Still Life © 2020 Patty Hankins

In the language of flowers, stock can represent completed projects. As I created this photograph, I imagined a woman relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book after completing the last embroidered napkin in a set she has been working on.