Andrew Bowman: Narcissus

'With each daffodil, nature writes a love letter to the world, promising the beauty of fresh starts.'

 Emily Dickinson

When you're young, you tend to assume some things are universal.  You think everyone lives like you do.  They celebrate both what, and when you do as well.  When you start school however. these assumption are quickly squashed.  I still remember being shocked when first learning that not everyone celebrated Christmas.  I was about 5 or 6 in primary or Grade 1.  This was the first of many memorable learning lessons to come.

Who else first remembers first hearing that in Australia, December 25th falls at the beginning of Summer? Or first hearing that in the UK, they don't celebrate Thanksgiving.  Halloween in the UK as well, especially trick or treating, were not really popular there until the late 1980's.  It really wasn't until I started working on FH that I really started learning about other holidays, most notably Hannukah and Lunar New Year.  I'm fascinated learning how others live, and especially how they celebrate.

Photographer Andrew Bowman has helped educate me on several holiday differences between America and The UK.  As fans of his work are aware, one of the themes Andrew often weaves into his work is the modesty bouquet.  The flowers began as a way to help new, or shy models.  They can be used as a prop they can hold, and also focus on. They can also be a great way to cover all, or some of their genitals.

Given the theme, I've often asked Andrew about sharing his floral imagery on holidays. A few years ago, when asking Andrew about Mother's Day, I first discovered that we celebrate it at different times.  In America, it's celebrate in May, In the UK, they celebrate mothers in March. This year, with Easter in mind, I asked Andrew if had any shots of models holding Lilies.  Andrew shared  that Lilies weren't really as popular in the UK at Easter.

Lilies are often associated with death, which does certainly connect with Good Friday.  For Easter however, which is more about life, and rebirth, those in the UK celebrate with more colorful blossoms,  usually Daffodils or tulips.  Most of us welcome any spring flower at Easter, but Daffodils, (narcissus) represent the vibrant energy and vivaciousness that spring provide.  They symbolizes creativity, inspiration, and renewal. While lilies are certainly beautiful, but they lack the colorful energy that Daffodils certainly bring.  I know what florals I'll be picking up for Easter in the future!

Andrew Bowman on Instagram

Andrew Bowman on PurplePort