Lie Still

Hello! I have finished a spooky, gothic, romantic little piece and am excited to share it with you all. I call this piece Lie Still. I'll let you decide if it is a command or a gentle goodbye. ;)

This piece is inspired by cemeteries in New Orleans. The center monument is painted to look similar to real gravestones in the city. The architecture of the tombs in NOLA are gorgeous and inspiring and take the edge off the creepiness for me.

Surrounding the grave are resurrection ferns and bougainvillea because these plants grow in abundance in Louisiana. I included resurrection ferns not only because they are endemic to LA, but also because the plants are amazing in their ability to come back to life and thrive despite being completely dried up -- it felt fitting for this piece. There is also a magnolia blossom because it is the state flower of Louisiana.

I included marigolds because of their use in ofrendas during the Day of the Dead. Sultenfuss Library says that "marigolds are thought to attract the souls of the dead to the ofrendas prepared for them." I love the bright, cheerful golden yellow and orange hues in contrast to the stark and dreary gray of tombstones. I am encouraged by the thought of connection to family even after they are gone -- it is beautiful.

And finally, I included a raven because I love Edgar Allen Poe and ravens are harbingers of death. Everything about this piece is a little bit romantic and a little bit morbid and I am genuinely happy with the result

So, here is my new piece, Lie Still: