‘Abstract Tulip’ (2022), 210×297 mm (A4)

‘Abstract Tulip’ (2022) is a digital art piece, it is my third work using the method, of digital art.  ‘Abstract Tulip' (2022), is an illustrative study and digital of a purple tulip flower. I have used research to create an artwork steeped in symbolism, history as well as the attractive quality of the flower. The intention behind the art piece is extensive, using inspiration from Abstract Expressionism, Morden art and Cloisonnism, to capture the floral beauty. An in-depth look at some notes I created when considering this piece.

Tulips are a spring-blooming perennial. The tulip flower is usually bright coloured large and considered to be showy. The main colours of tulips are red, pink, yellow or white and often have a different coloured blotch on the internal side, found at the base of the petals. Tulips are among the most versatile spring bulbs with an enormous range. Tulips come in different heights colours and forms. There are over 3000 different types of tulips and tulips are the same family as lilies and onions, the tulip bulbs should be planted in autumn for blooming in early spring into summer. Tulips are also the flower for the 11th wedding anniversary as a symbol of devotion and love. By many, they are considered to be a comfortable flower, but due to their identifiable shape and colourful petals, they are considered not overly used in comparison to other flower choices. The tulip flower is also known for its bold colours, and beautiful shapes and most varieties are almost perfectly symmetrical. The flower has three petals and three sepals, Although, since the sepals are close to the same size and shape as the petals it appears that the tulip flower will have six petals to every bulb. Tulips follow the sun when they are in a vase and they continue to grow after being cut. Tulips have a grassy smell, it is considered they are rather like an apple aroma! While others suggest a spicy aroma is produced from the flower.

The tulip originated sometime in the 10th century in Turkey and Persia where it played a significant role in the art and culture of the time, tulips were given their name by Europeans. This could be due to the Turkish tradition of wearing a tulip in one's turban, as well as Tulip, being a derivative of the Persian word for a turban, 'Delband'.

The most famous market crash of all time known as 'tulip mania' was a phenomenon known in the Netherlands in the 17th century. Tulips became so highly prized that prices rocketed. Many identify cultivated varieties of the Netherlands as 'Dutch Tulips'. Holland is still the largest producer of tulips, even though tulip mania ended in 1637 the fascination with tulips was deeply rooted and has continued to grow. Holland is the largest producer of tulips worldwide exporting an estimated 3 billion barrels per year. According to some historians during World War II there are many stories of people eating tulip bulbs due to The famine in Holland. It is not common to eat tulip bulbs anymore and it is believed that they should not be ingested as they can cause skin rashes, digestive issues and death. Tulip petals on the other hand can be eaten and often used to garnish salads and other dishes.

Victorians often associated tulips with charity while in current times the tulip is reduced to an emoji. The Tulip emoji used in social media has mini associative meanings, it could mean beauty, romance, flowers or gardening things however another associative term for the tulip is representative of female genitalia due to its soft pink tones and shape.

The tulip flower is quite possibly the most easily recognised of flowers. The symbolic meaning of the tulip is considered perfect love. There are multiple references are associated with tulips throughout history. Mary Astor, an actress from 1920 is quoted 'how can you be content to be in the world like tulips in the garden, to make a fine show, and be good for nothing.' While English fiction writer E.M.Forster said 'tulips are a tray of Jewels.' French novelist and playwright of the romantic movement Victor Hugo is quoted as 'Life is the flower of which love is the honey.' Claude Monet, French painter and founder of impressionist painting, especially poignant paintings of nature is noted to have said 'I must have flowers always and always.' E.E. Cummings American poet, painter and playwright who wrote an original manuscript of 152 poems, with only 86 Poems of that collection becoming curated into a  Volume, called tulips and chimneys. Published in 1923. 'Tip Toe through the tulips' is a song from the film 'Gold diggers of Broadway' (1929), American singer tiny Tim made the song popular in 1968. Tiny Tim's 'Tip Toe through the tulips with me' is also known as 'Tip Toe through the tulips'. It is suggested that this gave American singer-songwriter Shannon Hoon among many others to be quoted saying 'life isn't a TipToe through the tulips.' To which I can agree.

Furthermore, like most flowers, different colours of tulips often carry individual significance for example red tulips are mostly associated with true love, while white tulips are associated with forgiveness. The purple tulip symbolises royalty. Therefore the balance of a white and purple tulip bouquet would be used to celebrate Easter, firstly because tulips are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, a significant association of rebirth as well as the common theme of forgiveness and the son of God Jesus Christ considered royalty is symbolised in the colours. Pink tulips symbolise happiness and confidence, While Black tulips are the rarest type of tulip And symbolise power and strength due to their mysterious and elegant shades. The yellow tulip is considered to bring luck and prosperity, it is believed by planting the yellow tulip you are looking to add a bit of luck to your home.

Lastly the colour green, typically symbolises nature and life, fertility, renewal, rebirth and resurrection. Green is representative of spring, therefore, the pale green background is used to anchor the floral abstract piece in a time of year. The shape is representative of a fan linking back to the symbolism of the theme colour purple, the shade of purple deepens, onto the cool and calming background. The overall theme is the royalty of nature.