My obsession with hollyhocks continues. The epitome of “flower power”, each stalk shoots six to ten feet high stacked with blooms that open and sing like Aretha herself, “Queen of Soul”. Hollyhocks are joy cranked to full volume and I wanted to bottle that feeling on canvas.
To “show a little respect”, lol, (I hope you enjoy this historic film of Aretha performing in 1967), I had a canvas made to the precise dimensions of my Prius cargo space, which is a pretty amazing size: 40″ wide by 64″ long. (People ask what I use for a cargo van and I show them my Prius!)
Painting through the Rain
This was last winter. The timing couldn’t have been better—or wetter, as it turned out. The painting took me 14 days to complete and these same 14 days poured continuous drenching rain. It was like a dream. While the sky poured water, I poured paint: bold yellows, hot corals, blushing pinks, a tangle of greens. Delicious jungle brushstrokes to a soundtrack of the deluge.
Powerful Symbolism of Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks have always punched above their weight in symbolism. Many cultures saw hollyhocks as living talismans. Planting them invited fertility, prosperity, and protected against sadness. In Victorian times, their height was a metaphor for aiming high. In China, they were admired for resilience, blooming strong in summer’s heat. And in English cottage gardens, they played bouncers, greeting guests with floral flair.
Art as Preventive Medicine
Science backs up what the heart already knows: Art makes us feel better. Neuroaesthetics shows that looking at art reduces stress, eases depression, and boosts resilience (The Conversation, 2020). Think of it as preventive medicine for the brain—without the copay. Need a colossal mood lifter? Look no further!
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Thank you for reading. I warmly invite you to
Link to Hollyhock Gospel original
Browse prints of Hollyhock Gospel
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