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 © 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.
Is He The One? © 2020 Patty Hankins
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.
Dearest Friend © 2020 Patty Hankins
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.
After the Dance © 2020 Patty Hankins
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.
Missing You © 2020 Patty Hankins
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.