Whether something is classified as a weed or flower is a matter of perception based on threat. The threat of invasive capability and a plant's ability to take over the rest of a landscape. Bougainvillea to some is weed, to some a lush flowering vine to be admired. For me, it is a healing painting opportunity.

I've never entered any formal art contests before, but this one spoke to me when I began reading about the flower. You see, in its lore, the Bougainvillea was used to keep out thieves and prevent intruders due to its prickling vines.

On August 1, the deadline for this contest, I will be having an ultrasound and mammogram to explore a lump in my breast. They are not my first tests although I am only 38. So, this Bougainvillea is my own personal talisman against the intruders and thieves that are growing in my breast and want to steal my livelihood. They will not take over my landscape but flower into a beautiful reminder of how much life there is left to live and the beauty you can find even in the most troublesome weeds.

I painted this pseudo-self-portrait on 140 lb coldpress watercolor paper with Reeve's gouache and Staedtler ink pens for the detailing. It is an ACEO (Art Card Edition and Original format) which is what most of my work is. I enjoy working in small format art because it's portable so can be done just about anywhere with minimal supplies. I painted this while outdoors on a rock in my meditation garden.