I painted this picture during a visit to a tropical Queensland island upon which frangipanis abound. Frangipanis were my Mums favourite flower. They remind me of her, of tropical holidays and of long Queensland summers. I have a frangipani tree in my garden. It is one of the few non-natives I’ve allowed myself. In summer it is covered in flowers and their gorgeous frangrance lingers in the air.

Each frangipani flower has five petals. In some cultures these symbolise the five elements of the Universe: air, water, fire, earth and aether. The way the petals whirl together represents the union of all living things and the Universe.

The frangipani flower looks soft but the tree is tough. It will only catch alight once heated to over 260 degrees Celsius. It is for this reason that for some cultures this delicate flower represents endurance and strength and are given to people who are enduring or have overcome many challenges in their life. Perhaps you know someone like that?

All prints come digitally signed with watermarks removed

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