'The Blue Flowers'(2022), 210x297mm (A4).

 'The Blue Flowers'(2022)

This is my first work using the method, of digital art. 'The Blue Flowers' (2022), is an illustrative study and digital print of the blue delphinium flower. I have used research to create an artwork steeped with symbolism, beauty and intellect. 

The intention behind the art piece is extensive, using inspiration from Abstract Expressionism and Cloisonnism, to capture the floral beauty.  An in-depth look at some notes I created when considering this piece.

What are Delphiniums?

The Delphinium bears tall stalks of blue flowers. The Delphinium is a genus of about 300 species of annual and perennial flowering plants. Part of the family Ranunculus and are native throughout the northern hemisphere as well as the high mountains of tropical Africa. The flower is toxic to both humans and livestock however is a popular garden plant. The word Delphinium comes from the mid-1600s when it was first recorded, it comes from the Greek word 'Delphínion', a derivative of 'Delphís', meaning Dolphin. Its name is thought to come from the shape of the flower, mainly the part the nectar comes out of, which is suggested to resemble a dolphin.

Why Delphinium?

Delphiniums have a deep history spanning through, mythology and legend. The flower has many symbolising qualities. As it symbolises cheerfulness and goodwill as well as is considered to be a protective plant. Delphiniums are used to communicate encouragement and joy and they can be representative of youth and new life. Furthermore, the flower is representative of dignity and grace as furthermore, the flowers are also used to symbolise the remembrance of loved ones who have passed.

As for the many Myths and Legends surrounding the delphinium flower that can be found. My favourite was taken from Roman mythology, as it said that Neptune (God of the sea) transform the dolphin into flowers to save it from extinction another was a legend from the middle ages, that the delphinium grew from the dragon venom spilt when warriors defeating the evil fire breathing dragon.

From stories of the Virgin Mary crying upon Jesus Christ’s crucifixion to farmers and ranchers planting the flowers around believing to keep evil witches or evil magic away and tribal myths claiming that a divine woman came down from the heavens to check on earth part of the sky fell with her creating the blue delphinium.

With many spiritual and symbolic meanings for the most part it has encouraged dolphinariums to be hailed in the divine beauty of nature. Furthermore, it is said that to either see the delphiniums grow in somebody’s garden or to spot them growing on the side of the road or while on a country hike is lucky.

Why Blue?

The use of the colour blue is associated with many emotional and narrative enhancing symbolism, also blue is one of the most universally appealing colours on the spectrum because of its non-polarising traits. 

The colour blue is associated with open spaces, freedom, intuition, imagination, inspiration and sensitivity. Blue also represents emotional meanings of depth, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom and confidence. Some consider it to reflect stability, faith and intelligence, it can be considered peaceful. Blue has negative connections also such as fragility and depression. This can be dependent on the shade of blue.

Why abstract/ the shapes?

As well as using the symbolism in the colours I chose the cross-shaped lines to create the piece. ‘The Blue Flower’(2022) is an illustrative design of the Delphinium flower however the lines are to represent more than just the flower. The cross shape used to create the delphinium is a symbol of crossing over, the passing of life. 

There is a significant example of the cross depicted in this way would be the cross of Christ, as Christ was crucified. Another use of the cross more common is a mathematical symbol. And there is also the use of the cross to sign the name of illiterate persons. 

Research showed that shapes with straight lines and angles usually symbolise structure and order while the shape with curves and softer represent connection and community. 

While in Celtic symbolism a cross is represented in four directions by the four elements of fire earth air and water and is also used to be representative of our mind, body, soul and heart.