February 2, 2020
Painted in acrylic on a gessoed wooden heart.

While staring at the wooden heart and thumbnailing ideas, I suddenly remembered my houseplant from last year: Ms. Cara Beauti Hart, the Caladium. I remembered how much fun it was taking care of something outside of myself, making sure it was getting the nutrients it needed, watching it grow taller and taller, moving the garden toys around, etc.

Caladiums (aka 'Angel Wings' & 'The Heart of Jesus' ) has over 1000 different plant types, cultivars, as a result of selective breeding. The one I focused on is called Carolyn Whorton. I tenderly replicated the pattering on the plant that I took care of and used as a reference. But I worried about being able to replicate the symmetry of organic pink veins. So, as a solution, I resorted to geometric lines. I love the resulting contrast between the organic patterning of the leaf with the straight pink veins! The final looks almost alien-like, while still paying homage to the inspiration.

This heart was on display at Memphis College of Art for the Memphis Child Advocacy Center Works of Heart Exhibition and Auction.