STORY BEHIND THE ART OF AKIKO ENOKIDO

15th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at

The Horticultural Society of New York

Variegated Camellia

Camellia japonica ‘Chandleri Elegans’

What is your personal view of the artwork, for instance in terms of media, colors, composition? 

This Camellia Japonica Chandleri Elegans is an interesting species since the condensed petals in the middle developed from stamen. The young part of the branch is bent due to the weight of the flower. The flower therefore must bloom facing downwards. In order to show the weight of the flower, I positioned the branch slightly with an angle, which also helps emphasize the fluffiness of the flower in a three-dimensional way. I like the contrast of the color and texture - soft, white and pink flower versus the shiny dark-green leaves. Camellia has been one of the favored flowers painted in the long history of botanical art. I wanted to create a composition that shows both its classic element and my original translation of the plant. Camellias form their firm buds during the cold season and they radiate their energy in full early in the spring. Shiny deep green leaves reflect the sunbeams coming through the larger trees.

Why did you choose this subject to portray? 

I have always been attracted by Camellia's somewhat heavy texture of the petals as well as its shiny leaves. Camellia originates in Eastern Asia. In my home country Japan, we can see the early species of Camellia. During the 19th century, it was brought overseas and went through generations of cross pollination. We have over 250 kinds of Camellias today.

Did you face any unique challenges as you worked on this piece?

It was challenging but rewarding to capture the special moment of this Camellia's life.

What would you hope people would notice or appreciate when viewing this work?

I hope people would enjoy the beauty of the Camellia, a masterpiece co-created by mother nature and human. I hope viewers could see the stamens transforming to small petals, intertwined with each other; gold pollen hidden deep inside the center petals; and firm buds covered with delicate silver hair.

How does this work relate to your body of work?

I have been painting various kinds of horticultural Camellia for the past 4 to 5 years. This is the first time I painted Camellia on vellum and I like the way it turned out.

Next Story

Back to List