Camryn Simmerman

*Precious*, from the *Blooming Moments* series, Digital photographic print, 2021, 16 x 20 inches

Artist Statement

Throughout my life, flowers have been, and continue to be a shared symbol in my family. Growing up as a dancer, my father would always buy me a bouquet of flowers to express his love and gratitude not only for my performance but for me as well. His passion in the garden continues to influence my appreciation for the beauty of the life of flowers and the patience that is put into creating something so beautiful. Sharing in my father’s gardening passion, my mother always trims them after full bloom and features them prominently around our house.

During my first semester here at Loyola, both of my grandfathers passed away. Much like my father, they both had a love for gardening and the beauty of flowers. To this day, every time I see a butterfly, I tell myself it’s God showing me that my grandfathers are still there for me andthat I am making them proud. Butterflies feed off of flowers, rendering them an essential element to their lives. Flowers have a similar feeling within me: they are the root to my home and happiness.

In my work, I probe the connection of my relationships between different flowers. Flowers go through a journey of new life, growth, and death similar to our own lives. Flowers are presented as gifts celebrating the highest of highs and consoling the lowest of lows. There is something so simple about the essence of a flower that can convey emotions people can’t. I want to capture my relationship with flowers revolving around the simplicity of a flower and a subject. Not only do the smell of fresh cut flowers fill the room with joy but the blossoming vase expresses an elegant touch. I want to convey this exact feeling with my work.