Black Orchid

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Black Orchid

For hundreds of years hybridizers have been trying to produce "black" flowers; tulips, hillyhocks, gladiolus, canna lilies, even black corn and radishes. So it is not surprising that orchids are also on the list. What is it that intrigues us so about a black flower? Black orchids have been written about in comic strips, witchcraft, myths, movies and books. There is always an air of mystery surrounding them. They are rare and not usually what they seem. Most of them are really a deep purple. Generally, they are included in a story line when some symbol of passion and mystery is required.

My Black Orchid piece was inspired by the thought that each of us needs a bit of mystery and passion in our lives. Mystery and passion don't have to be negative or destructive parts of living. Passion can be a deep desire to learn more about something that is already loved. Passion is the word we use to denote a deep feeling that seems to push us beyond where we would usually stop. If a person is passionate about something they are motivated. This world of ours could sue more passionate people focused in the right direction. I think apathy is slowly killing many good things in our Click to view larger image.world and in our society.

Recognizing that there is mystery in our lives keeps us excited about living. Life can become mundane without the element of surprise. Appreciating the beauty and complexity around us leads us to recognize we don't understand everything. There are no absolute answers to all our questions. We are surrounded by mystery on many levels. Recognizing this can help us explore new areas. There is no end to the mysteries one can explore.

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I believe that people who recognize and revel in the mystery and passions of life truly experience Earth-life to the fullest. And so, I offer my Black Orchid to remind us all of the wonderful blessings of mystery and passion humans can experience.

The base is handmade of thousands of black beads. It is topped with polymer clay that has been flocked. The mermaid is seated on a hand-sculpted black and deep purple orchid. Her tail Click to view larger image.is made of glass spear-shaped Czech heads in black, silver, and smoke blue. It is dotted with tiny purple beads and clear Swarovski crystals. Her tailfin is made of pin pleated fabric that is edged with wire so it can be positioned. The tail is also dotted with more tiny clear Swarovski crystals. She wears a silver top with black and silver trim that matches the cap on her head. She has hand painted eyes and acrylic hair.