I thought of marigolds as being happy flowers. I was surprised when I found their meaning in the Language of Flowers to be 'jealousy."

I was even more surprised when I learned about their connection to war and death......

"In Mexico, at the time of the Conquistadores, they were known as the ‘flower of death’ as they sprang like poppies on ground disturbed by warfare. Calendulas are still widely used in celebrations for The Day of the Dead in South America, where families remember their relatives and celebrate the continuity of life."

I painted the girl with her arms full of marigolds. The trail behind her is lined with mounds of marigolds as well. In the burnt umber background there are, using vague shadows and light, various scenes of conquest. They are indistinct, like ghosts. And perhaps they are. Ghosts of past, present and future.......