How can I say that I don't like an orchid after spending 6 or so years studying and then painting them? In my artwork I chose to work with wild (species) orchids which often look like they don't belong on this planet, or are less showy and often very tiny. I chose them mainly because they are fascinating and overshadowed by their very beautiful hybridized cousins. I have nothing against hybridized orchids for sure, but cymbidiums fell into my thumbs down category because they are so ubiquitous here. They lurk behind every garden gate, as we can easily grow them outdoors.
But then I was given this huge cymbidium plant last fall. This spring it has come forth in bloom with 6 huge flower sprays with no effort from me except to water it. And it's the color mauve, one of my least favorite colors. So it's a challenge to my opinionated self, because it is very beautiful and I am now it's proud guardian. Once again, I'm up against my value system of the flowers I gravitate to and the ones that bring out the yuk factor. Is it possible to like all flowers equally? To be able to work with any of them instead of saying this one is in and this one is out. Just bring an open, creative mind to the table and and see what happens. Is this a metaphor for life or what?
