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.
Generations © 2021 Patty Hankins
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.
Happy Anniversary © 2021 Patty Hankins
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.
For the Kodak Girl © 2021 Patty Hankins
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 © 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.
Done! © 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.