Blog | Sophia Diana

Coming Up Roses - Raindrops and Blooms

Sophia Diana
Aug 11, 2022
4 min read

As I wrap up my last collection, I am reflecting upon what inspired me to create it. For me, painting helps me realize that I can create that which is not showing up for me in the moment. If I am lacking hope, I can create it, I can excavate it from somewhere deep within myself. Painting reminds me that everything I need - I already have.

There are no two paintings exactly alike, no two painting experiences that could be compared to one another. Every moment is different and continues to change and shift as I grow and change and shift. Creating art shows me that everything is temporary and that it's okay to let go of things that are no longer working and that it is okay to embrace new colors, techniques... new experiences. Creativity helps me make way for the beauty and love that can occur when I release that which is no longer aligned and in resonance with my path or identity.

We cannot grow or change if we do not let go of the patterns that no longer serve us.

The past two years have challenged every single one of us to look deep within and discover new parts of our personal strength, courage, resilience, love, and passion. We have this in common. These past two-three years were hard for us all and in many ways continue to be. How wonderful it is to discover that we now can all find something in common. We share in our endurance of spirit together.

I thought I would begin dedicating a blog post to each painting from this collection as I close out this chapter and begin my new collection. Thank you from my heart for joining me on this journey. I hope that together we can discover pieces of ourselves that help us heal in unity. Remember, anything that divides us (fences and walls) can be easily dissolved through love (roses) when we have the will to grow (bloom).

Coming Up Roses

Roses contain a divine intelligence as they are a perfect marriage of mathematics and expressiveness. They remind us that anything is possible and that no matter how long winter may seem, spring is still just around the corner.

This past winter I drew and painted roses to almost an obsessive level. I think it's safe to say it's difficult to be an artist without a certain level of obsession (I highly recommend reading Davinci's notebooks if you don't know what I am talking about. They are really fascinating too!) It was not my intent to capture the perfect petal or to create the most realistic looking flower. I just needed to spend time with the rose. Why is it a symbol of love? Why are they all so similar and yet so different and unique? What can the rose teach me about patience, time, beauty, grace. What is it about this flower that is so whimsical and elegant at the same time?

The rose was my grandfather's favorite flower - and my grandfather was one of the most wonderful and loving people anyone would ever meet. He passed away a few years ago and I think since I have been exploring more about why he loved the things he did. I know that he would have had a lot of fun seeing my paintings. In a way, painting roses is a way for me to connect with this person I love very much. I can still show him I love him and when I see roses bloom in surprising places, I receive it right back.

I made Coming Up Roses toward the end of winter. It was gloomy out and gray. The leaves and flowers had yet to come out and I'd been in my apartment for...one year too long. But I knew in my heart spring would come and that this grayness was temporary. At the same time, I felt the need to bring spring into the now moment so I could enjoy it sooner. I imagined a cottage with a white picket fence - the symbol of family and security -and I imagined these pink roses almost fully taking over the picture as if they were watching over the family. The roses representing the loving messages of family from here and beyond.

Coming Up Roses quickly became the anchor and structure for what would become the Raindrops and Blooms collection. This painting also inspired me to start taking on house portrait commissions or the Homes in Bloom Portrait Collection. I wanted to study the relationship of the house, the family, and the natural environment and the power of imagination and creativity to dissolve all boundaries with one another. I am still working in this space I still feel I have much to learn.

I hope that all who see Coming Up Roses feels the love of those they love whether they are here of not - and it is my sincere hope that everyone who engages with my work feels a moment of comfort in knowing that everything, even the worst pain, is temporary.

In love and Gratitude,

Diana

Sophia Diana at the Lynn GALA - August 30 - September 12

Sophia Diana Creations at the Lynn GALA

Coming Up Roses - Raindrops and Blooms

We cannot grow or change if we do not let go of the patterns that no longer serve us.

Coming Up Roses

Stars in Bloom Exhibit - Labor Day Weekend