Page 28 - The Enso Circle Continuing Residents, Exhibition Catalog, Spring 2023

ARTIST STATEMENT

Marian McKenzie-Cone

‘Juxtaposition of the garden rose and the wild rose.’

What do dried roses symbolize?
Generally, they are seen to represent endurance, strength, and resilience in the
face of adversity. They can also symbolize longevity or eternal love, as dried
flowers when properly cared for can maintain their vibrancy for years.

My art this semester has been a challenge in that I started with too many ideas
and working through the juxtaposition of the garden rose and the wild rose

especially the fresh new rose bud as a symbol of beauty and courage then as it
dies and is dried it represents fragility and swift passage from life to death.

I use these metaphors to express our being in the world and for taking a moment
in time to reflect on what is important to hold onto.

Our vibrant colourful existence in which we love and are loved or
one closed off from new ideas, challenges understanding of others and places etc.

I portray this via a forest spirit, living a wild exploring life, safe in the
knowledge it has the boundaries of the forest and a forest spirit, living a closed
and sheltered life, not understanding boundaries and love.

The spirit banners carry the inner most thoughts and shadow side of us all.
I offer my thoughts on child development in this context as well.

I have made tiny spirit banners and as well a folder of my thoughts and poems
and am seeking harmony through my exploration in this piece

“The juxtaposition of the garden rose and the wild rose.”

“The world is full of magic things patiently waiting for our senses to grow
sharper.”
W.B.Yeats
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