FRAMED STAINED GLASS ART PIECE: 22” X 32”, oak frame

The Indian Paintbrush flowers are named for the clusters of spiky blooms that resemble paint brushes dipped in bright red or orange-yellow paint. Also called Painted Cup and Orange Hawkweed, the Indian Paintbrush is part of the snapdragon family.

LEGEND

A Native American Tale tells us about a native child who wanted to paint the sunset but could not produce the colors needed to do the task and so he asked the Great Spirit to help him. The Great Spirit responded to his request by giving him the paintbrushes to create his painting. Upon finishing his painting, the artist discarded his paintbrushes throughout the land, and they later blossomed into plants with beautiful flowers.

SYMBOLISM

The Indian Paintbrush helps us to embrace our own innate special qualities, as well as our inner awareness. As we approach new paths in our life, it brings us calmness and comfortableness with the new sensations we are experiencing. We feel encouraged to keep going, because we feel supported by our environment. The color red symbolizes earth, energy, power, and success.

USES

In times past, the Indian Paintbrush was soaked in grease and used as hair oil to invigorate the hair and make it glossy; this effect was probably due to the selenium content. Native Americans also used it as red dye for marking property and drawing designs on clothing and body.

FRAMED STAINED GLASS ART PIECE: 24” X 34”, oak frame

With its round waxy-coated leaves filled with air spaces so it can float in the quiet freshwater habitats, the Water Lily has a single long stalk that is anchored in the mud of water’s lower depths that produces a beautiful showy fragrant solitary flower above the surface of the water. The cuplike flower opens each morning with the sun and closes later in the day. The top of the leaf is covered with a cuticle to keep it dry and the underside has thorns to protect it from predators.

LEGEND

The American Water Lily is white, but in Egypt there is a long and diverse history of a Blue and White Water Lily. Depictions of the flower are seen in the ancient temples in Egypt.

The scientific name for Water Lily is Nymphaea, which references the beloved nymphs in Greek mythology. The Greek word nymph means “young woman, bride or young wife”. Nymphs were Greek goddesses who were associated with different land forms, including bodies of water.

Nefertem was the god of the Blue Water Lily which was linked to beautification and healing. It was said that he bought the Water Lily to the sun god Ra, to help ease the suffering of his aging body.

The Blue Water Lily was also symbolic of rebirth after death and was used in funerals. One type of flower petal that was found in Tutankhamen’s coffin was from Blue Water Lilies. The Egyptians believed that their souls would come to life again, like the Water Lily reopening with the morning sun.

One of the first stories of the Water Lily was that darkness covered the waters and it was chaos until the Water Lily rose from the abyss. As it slowly opened its petals, a young god was revealed who banished the universal darkness. The child was referred to as the Creator, the Sun god, the source of all life.

The Water Lily was also associated with Quedeshet, the Syrian love goddess, who was the goddess of sexuality and fertility.

SYMBOLISM

Not only is the Nymphaea (water lily) associated with gods and spirituality, it symbolizes innocence, purity, fertility, pleasure, celebrations, hope, rebirth, wellness, and peace.

USES

Water Lilies are poisonous but have been used in herbal medicine for nutrition and as a remedy for muscle aches. Egyptian history talks about the psychoactive properties of the Blue Water Lily and how it was used by shamans to help provide insight. The flowers would be soaked in wine to produce lily-wine. The flowers do contain nuciferine that is soluble in alcohol, but recent research has not shown the water lily to be psychoactive.

FRAMED STAINED GLASS ART PIECE: 25” X 34½ ”, oak frame

The official state flower of California, the California Poppy is also known as the Golden Poppy, California Sunlight, and Cup of Gold. The fields of gold they can produce is sometimes viewed as a floral representation of the “fields of gold” sought during the gold rush.

LEGEND

The flower has long been associated by the Greeks with Morpheus, the deity of sleep, because of the calming effects of the plant’s sap. Morpheus was the leader of the dream spirits and had the skill to influence the dreams of gods and kings by appearing in their dreams as a human form.

SYMBOLISM

Poppies have been given a variety of meanings by Victorians, the majority of which differed in meaning based on the color. The California Poppy is related to dreams, relaxation, peace and telling the recipient, “I dream of you.” It is associated with wealth, success, and creativity.

USES

In herbal medicine, when seeped to make tea, the California Poppy promotes a long, restful sleep and is often used to treat insomnia. It can also be smoked for relaxation.

FRAMED STAINED GLASS ART PIECE: 23½ ” X 31¼ ”, oak frame

The Sessile Bellwort has many names: Sessile Leaf Bellwort, Little Merrybell, Wild Oats, Haybell, Straw Flower, Wood Daffodil. Its delicate lemon-yellow petals hang in a way to resemble a bell. Wort is from the old English word ‘wyrt’ that meant root or herb and often indicated a plant that was used for medicinal purposes.

SYMBOLISM

It is said that the shape of the bellwort is a sign of its purpose, a means by which divine intent was communicated to mankind. The shape of the bell flower was thought to resemble the uvulas at the back of the throat.

USES

Native to eastern and central North America, it grows in woodlands with wet or dry soil. The young leaves and shoots are edible as cooked greens.

Being that the flower resembled the uvulas at the back of the throat, it was often made into a tea for treatment of sore throats, inflamed gums, coughs and other ailments of the oral cavity. Throughout history, it has been used for many other ailments as well, from treatment for backaches and sore muscles to adding topical wounds such as snakebites.

SOLD

Yellow Roses are typically a symbol of friendship, and they are often given as a gift between two good friends.