This is the first series of flower works created after accepting that I am a highly sensitive person. Researchers of the Highly Sensitive Person phenomenon often compare such individuals to orchids, due to the delicacy of their nervous systems. So, when my beloved orchid decided to die—and everything I did to save it was unsuccessful—I couldn’t help but associate the situation with myself.

 

   The graceful flower had always delighted me with its beauty and fragility. Then I took my camera, and inspired by the floral abstract paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe, I decided to preserve its memory in the form of portraits. I sang this visual lullaby one last time—for my favorite orchid, and for the peculiarities of my own psyche. It became a symbolic farewell to the roles I had played for others, to outdated beliefs, and a gesture of gratitude and acceptance for my new self.

 

   A gentle sadness transformed into humility. I know that now, this tender flower is dreaming beautiful dreams, and I continue to move forward.