Chrysanthemum Imagery


Today my time went to the act of creation.
When that happens, everything else flies out the window.

Here's one of the new pieces in a series based
upon chrysanthemum imagery.


© 2009 Meri Arnett-Kremian. All rights reserved.

My friend June tells me that in Asia, the chrysanthemum
is highly revered.  It symbolizes tranquility,
purity, abundance, joy, longevity, and life.

She says that John Steinbeck wrote a sad,
but sexually charged story about a woman
in The Chrysanthemum and that Cathy Song,
one of her favorite poets, penned a sensual poem
about the chrysanthemum in her work Ikebana.

She reminded me that Georgia O'Keeffe
painted chrysanthemums that were said
to have sexual overtones. She sees them
in one of the pieces I worked on today,
but she also sees bodhisattva figures
(enlightened female deities)
or shrouded figures in the same piece.

I sent her two files.
She thought the other one looked like a spider.

I hope it wasn't a black widow devouring her mate.

Things are hard enough in the dating arena.






Comments

Keuter said…
Meri, i love chrysanthemums they are showy but not in a vain way, it is just who they are as a flower, they were born that way so to speak, your images just enchance this about them.
Keuter said…
i meant to write "enhance" not enchance whoops
kt
Unknown said…
Oh my goodness. How beautiful. I hope you don't mind, but I have actually done a blog on the amazing chrysanthemums that you are doing. It has taken my breath away that much! You are truly talented.
Dang! And even though you told me how you do this, it still looks like magic!!
Relyn Lawson said…
You make me laugh. You make me smile. Your art makes me dream. Your words make me think.

I wanted to stop by tonight and wish you a happy, happy Thanksgiving. Tomorrow is bound to be crazy and I didn't want the holiday to pass without me wishing you the happiest, most delicious Thanksgiving ever.
Unknown said…
Your artpiece is a briliant creation! I love it! I am Asian and I know that the chrysanthemum is associated with prayers and funerals, so it should not be offered as a bouquet for any joyous occasions and certainly not for any beloved.
poefusion said…
your creations are always so beautiful. i can see a female head exposing itself alongside a red bird with blue wings. hope all is well. have a great day/ weekend.
rebecca said…
delicious!
as are you.
JP/deb said…
I love your interpretation of a chrysanthemum in this piece - marvelous!
Deb L. said…
This series is just so beautiful! Found you thru a comment on Susan's blog and see that you will be in Judy's class next summer... I have also signed up for that class and already excited! You have a lovely blog - will be back to visit ~ Deb

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