Color A Day # 12 - Bird of Paradise

A friend and I were chatting today, and as we passed by a Bird of Paradise bush she remarked, "Oh, there's my favorite flower!".   I can see why it's her favorite.  It's such a showy looking blossom - with a shock of fiery, in-your-face orange plumage on it's crown.  I admire these flowers - with all their vibrant, pointed color - and featured a BOP prominently in one of my Frida Icon paintings. 

BOP, the bird.

BOP, The flower.

The Virgin Enthroned  by Alisa Proctor

  

Icon Series: Frida Kahlo

"The Virgin Enthroned"
Acrylic on canvas, 30x30
by Alisa Proctor

This is a very personal piece, full of symbolism reflecting my life experience. Several years ago I became critically ill as the result of a hospital based infection I acquired while giving birth. I spent nearly three months in the hospital (ICU) and was on life support for three weeks....and was not expected to survive. This painting deals with the issues of life/death, hospitalization, my love for my son, and of my survival. The snake (referencing an asclepian staph) represents both "medicine", as well as danger/death. The bird of paradise, butterfly, barbed wire, heavy confining robe, cracked columns, cactus, ocean, and little bull mask symbolize parts of my physical/emotional experience. It's true that art can be cathartic and healing.