Florilegia means "a gathering of flowers" in Latin.

This series of floral illuminations was inspired by the Vanitas of Dutch Golden Age Masters and early botanicals but specifically grows out of the Victorian language of flowers. To the Victorians, each flower conveyed a specific meaning such as, faith, hope or fidelity. I explore these references in my mixed media assemblage paintings. Each work contains an antique, hand colored, magic lantern slide which is built into the canvas covered board and illuminated from behind. Onto this base I’ve layered elements of collage, found objects, paint and pattern, creating visual and conceptual depth. At times whimsical and reaching, these paintings are a playful expression of a flower’s spirit as seen through a kaleidoscope of associated meanings and symbolism.

striped tulip, which means Secret Lover in the Victorian language of flowers was a result of a virus which eventually wiped it out in the end contributing to 17th century Dutch Tulip Mania. In Secret Lover, little HIV viruses float about a baroque backdrop which imitates the swirls and stripes of the flower. The Victorian meaning is reinforced with an imagined rendezvous, an antique slide is illuminated from behind spelling out the lyrics to "Tip Toe though the Tulips" while erotic toes and hidden keys seek the lock behind the glass.