Floriography in History

Throughout history, the flower has captivated mankind and has been an integral part of cultures around the world – from Cleopatra’s famous encounter with Antony on a bed of roses, to the Middle Ages use of flowers and herbs for their “magical properties”, to the Asian and Indian use of the lotus to represent both gods and the human soul.

Floriography in History

Throughout history, the flower has captivated mankind and has been an integral part of cultures around the world – from Cleopatra’s famous encounter with Antony on a bed of roses, to the Middle Ages use of flowers and herbs for their “magical properties”, to the Asian and Indian use of the lotus to represent both gods and the human soul.

In the Victorian era, flowers became a common method of communication, expressing emotions one dared not speak aloud. In fact, entire dictionaries were written on the subject of this floriography, or the language and meaning of flowers. Flowers have always had a unique ability to speak to the human spirit.

Elizabeth Shatner’s Flowrosophy ^®

Building upon the historical use of flowers as a means of symbolism and communication, Elizabeth Shatner has brought a new concept to her art, called Flowrosophy®. Elizabeth’s art form connects the flow of philosophical thoughts to the art inherent in nature. She has found that the photographing of something as seemingly simple as a flower can open the mind's eye to beauty and meanings sometimes hidden in nature.  Flowrosophy invites healing meditation on nature’s beauty, allowing us to become uplifted and re-energized.  

Elizabeth’s Photography and Digital Painting

When photographing for this collection, Elizabeth utilizes only naturally occurring, unadulterated ambient light. Each image is truly a unique moment in time, never to occur exactly the same way again. Not only does Elizabeth offer a unique look at nature through her camera lens; she also highlights and enhances what nature presents us through digital painting.  An emerging art form, digital painting utilizes traditional painting techniques and applies them digitally, using a stylus and sensory pad instead of a brush and canvas. This technology allows Elizabeth to convey what she sees and feels in that moment in time, adding layers of possible meaning for the observer.

Sacred Shapes

Building upon the ancient studies of flowers as a means of communication in the Victorian era, Elizabeth Shatner has brought a new concept to her art, called Florosophy.   There is art inherent in nature that calls to us. Elizabeth’s art form examines the beauty in nature and connects the flow of philosophical thoughts that humans bring to the experience. Florosophy is a mediation on nature designed to allow us to be uplifted and re-energized by it.  

Red Pansy Angel

Nature continues to amaze as it presents us with beautiful symbols.  A beautiful example is this image of a pansy which through Elizabeth’s camera lens, reveals the image of a lovely angel. Gallery Wrapped Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces

Phoenix

Using only natural, ambient light, Elizabeth’s macro lens revealed an image with powerful symbolism, that of the mighty Phoenix. Imagine rising from the ashes of trials and sorrow, to live again in the hope and light of tomorrow. Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces

Pansy Angel

Nature continues to amaze as it presents us with beautiful symbols.  A beautiful example is this image of a pansy which through Elizabeth’s camera lens, reveals the image of a lovely angel. Gallery Wrapped Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces

Mask	The layers of Mask evoke the question – what do we hide in the layers of our hearts? How much are we willing to show? Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces

Layered Heart

Layered Heart invites us to recognize the many layers of love, and reminds us that, even after loss, we can love again. Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces

French Pink Peony

French Pink Peony was shot in Cannes while Elizabeth and Bill were at the Cannes Film Festival for a showing of Over the Hedge. This flower was a part of a bouquet of the most beautiful peonies. The light of the French Rivera shining upon them, this piece brings back the memory of that special time. Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces

Florschach

A play on words from a combination of flower and the Rorchach psychological test. An interactive game, sharing the flow of one’s first impression, feeling, thought or emotion evoked by studying one of Elizabeth’s abstract flower images. 22x35 Framed Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces

Deep Purple

This photograph was taken in the Shatner’s backyard. It represents the beauty of the peak of life. The bloom is fertile, having gone through bud, to vibrant bloom with pollen just waiting to nourish new growth. It is a meditation on the cycle of life and a reminder to appreciate the time we have. Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces

Centered Heart

At the core of Centered Heart, we find the sacred heart image – could it be that long ago a person gazed into the depths of a flower and originated this symbol of love? Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces

Brain Maze

Elizabeth thought that this piece looked like the inside of a brain and a maze. The lines of this unfurling yellow rose were an intriguing abstract.  Framed Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces