Flowers are regularly used in the world of art at a different level. There are several reasons why this is the case. Of course, they present artists with a beautiful platform for incorporating bright colors and pretty shapes. However, the real motive runs a lot deeper than this. Flowers carry a great depth of meaning and they are symbols for a whole host of feelings. Therefore, they help the artist to create their desired feeling and evoke the right emotions from those that are viewing the artwork. Flowers have long been used to communicate a deeper message. More often than not, flowers are used in a subtle manner yet their meaning is significant; and this is why we send flowers to loved ones, isn't it? Of course, there are exceptions with some of the Dutch masters such as O'Keeffe and Van Gogh being prime examples. Flowers were often at the forefront of their expressive pieces. Yet, other artists that use flowers in small and subtle doses are still able to create a massive impact.
There are, of course, many pieces of art that are completely centered on flowers. We have to go back to Holland once again in order to look at the birth of this with Dutch flower paintings often being credited as the earliest pure examples of this genre. Yet, you may be shocked to discover the symbolization of these paintings. The flower was a symbol of a man's mastery of his own physical environment and political influence. The paintings would include vases with flowers from all over the world that could not possibly bloom at the same time. The painting signified a floral map, in essence, showcasing the spread of the Dutch colonial network. Without prior knowledge, you or I may simply see a vase of pretty flowers; yet the meaning is astonishing and portrayed in such a stunning manner.
Of course, flowers were used before the Dutch did so in the 17th century. In the Gothic era from about 1200-1400 AD, flowers were used to symbolize the importance of certain people or to depict their personality. And if we were to really go back in time and embrace art in all forms, you'd have to count the Egyptian use of the lotus on their tombs as one of the first examples of art and flowers combined. Today we see flowers used extensively in artwork, and a lot of today's artists take inspiration from the use of flowers in the past. Yet new and experimental forms are being explored all of the time with a prime example being Margaret Jordan Patterson's unique color woodcut floral prints in which each color is added in a separate printing stage. It's unlikely we will ever see the day whereby flowers cease in importance in regards to art. They bring a great depth of meaning and symbolization easily transforming a piece of work.
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