We painted this together at the same time while observing a still life of a bouquet of flowers over the span of a few days. We wanted to paint the flowers while they were still alive, blooming, and changing.
It was interesting to work together, parallel tasking, and being connected in the process of making. The decision making process was fluid and we were comfortable painting over and adding to each other's work without feeling a sense of ownership or control. We let go of our ego and went into flow with the work.
What does this painting mean to you?
Vee: When I bought this canvas, I had the intention of painting Lily. I wanted to express my love for her/them through a beautiful portrait, but then I realized I was loving AT her instead of WITH her. So, for me, the act of making a painting together felt more authentic to what love is. Love is a process of loving each other for who you are together and as individuals. I think the idea of painting flowers in the kitchen also makes sense for a romantic piece because flowers are often associated with love, but also the fact that they are in the kitchen feels incredibly personal and specific. It feels like home. It is home.
Lily: For me, it's a metaphor for the fact that love is a negotiated process. There were moments of uncertainty in the painting where a plan would need to be let go of. The painting and metaphor is also helpful for us to work through our own relationship and this idea of letting go, collaboration, and everything being a process.