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, when bouquets of Mimosa were given to women by both male and female colleagues, husbands, 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 resilience.

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