Ophelia Sings

June 2005
Acrylic on canvas 51x75cm

I love the idea that different flowers have been given meanings. In 'Hamlet', Ophelia becomes fixated on these floral significances. "There is pansies, that's for thoughts". "There's fennel for you, and columbines." "There's a daisy, I would give you some violets, but they all withered when my father died".
Ophelia's reference to pansies for thoughts comes from the fact the the name pansies comes from the French word pensees, thoughts. Fennel suggests flattery and the combines are a symbol of ingratitude or marital infidelity. Dissembling, the creation or adoption of a false appearance, is suggested by the daisy. Violets are the symbol of faithfulness in love, something that Ophelia has not seen a lot of! I think it's great to know the hidden meanings of things, it's a great feeling to be able to give someone a bunch of flowers and know that you are saying something specific to them, even if they don't realise it. Or that you have the information to read the signs around you in nature.