To flourish is to thrive, prosper and grow. Fittingly, you can’t say flourish without ‘flow’. With each pronunciation, you almost feel its freedom, like it’s flowing along a river. The Butterfly Tree depicts natural flow. It heals old wounds and mends broken hearts.
I was inspired by the ancient Japanese craft of Kintsugi: where craftsmen fix broken pots by leaving a delicate thread of gold where cracks once were, revealing its beauty. The most important thing about Kintsugi is that the beauty and importance is in the person viewing the pot, rather than the pot itself.
Likewise, when you look at The Butterfly Tree, I want it to remind you to recognise your own beauty. We are all reflections of how we see the world. It’s in this one small thought that healing can happen, we can flourish and find happiness.
Butterflies are a symbol of metamorphosis, transition, courage and bravery. They are little creatures that completely change into something else, flourishing in one environment and then in another. They hide out in their small, dark cocoon, unsure of what they will become. Then, they take the brave step to let light into the darkness, breaking it open and discovering they have incredible wings to fly.
There are also turtles in this piece, which are a symbol of gratitude. They roll with the patterns of the sea, showing us how to go with the flow, slow down and appreciate what’s right in front of us. Gratitude will help you find your happiness.
