Mimosa

The fragrant, golden yellow Mimosa was chosen as the flower to symbolise International Women’s Day by
the Union of Italian Women in 1946. The day chosen was 8th March, in celebration of the end of WW2, booughs of Mimosa were given to women by both male and femail colleagues and also gifted by men to their wives and girlfriends.

The Mimosa flowers in February and March and can adapt to almost any kind of soil. The warm golden flowers so early in the year were a symbol of hope and respect. For women the message is one of solidarity, strength and resiliance.

I painted the White Lotus and Mimosa in the summer of 2024, using Japanese Washi paper made from Mulberry leaves. I use tradtional black Sumi and coloured mineral inks with brushes from China and Japan made from bamboo and hair. The painting has been float mounted and framed in natural Ash.