Viola
Julie Haddrick 2004
Fascinated
by the wandering and profuse nature of the perennial native Violets in
my garden, I began to explore the genus VIOLA ( vee-OH-la, vai-OH-la ),
discovering that the Violet, Viola, Pansy, Johnny Jump-up, Heartsease,
Ladies’ Delight are all part of the VIOLACEAE family. The modern
Pansy is a hybrid of the Violet flower and has lost its’ perfume
and hardiness, but gained infinite colour variations. Sketching from pots
of flowers, I developed some of the images used here. From the botanical
book ‘ Hortus Eystettensis 1713 The Garden at Eichstatt’ I
used botanical illustrations and the foundation pieced Pansy is a pattern
by Deborah Brearley. In researching the Viola,I discovered many references
to this well loved flower. William Shakespeare writes of the flower
Violet is for Faithfulness,
Which in me shall abide;
Hoping, likewise, that from your heart
You will not let it slide.
The significance of the flower as used in Victorian times as secret messages
sent in posies, was ‘Faithfulness, humility, modesty and simplicity’
I trust the essences of these are portrayed in the design, colours, designs
and stitching of this piece