Guest Artist for July

Tatianna O’Donnell

Why I Paint Sunflowers

Tatianna O’Donnell

🌻One of the most widely recognized symbolic meanings of sunflowers is their association with positivity and joy. The bright yellow petals and the sun-like appearance of the flower evoke feelings of happiness and warmth. Sunflowers have the power to uplift our spirits and bring a sense of optimism to any space.

In addition to their association with positivity, sunflowers are also symbols of loyalty and devotion. The sunflower's ability to track the sun's movement throughout the day has been interpreted as a sign of unwavering loyalty. It represents the idea of staying true to one's values and remaining dedicated to a cause or person.

Being of Ukrainian descent, I am drawn to Sunflowers. Here are more reasons why I paint sunflowers.

Since 2014 and particularly after 2022, sunflowers have become a global emblem of solidarity with Ukraine, often used in protests and humanitarian campaigns.

The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and has become a powerful symbol of peace, hope, and resilience, especially during times of conflict. You might remember the Ukrainian grandmother who early in the war, gave the Russian soldier a handful of sunflower seeds, so that when he is killed, sunflowers will grow on his grave.

In Ukrainian folklore, sunflowers represent warmth, fertility, and a connection to the sun and land. They frequently appear in traditional embroidery, art, and songs.

Ukraine has historically been one of the world’s leading producers and exportersof sunflower oil. Before the war in 2022, it accounted for over 40% of global sunflower oil exports.

Sunflowers have always been a symbol of Unity and Strength in Ukraine. The sunflower’s ability to withstand harsh conditions mirrors the Ukrainian people's perseverance. Its orientation toward the sun is often seen as a metaphor for looking toward a brighter future, no matter how dark the present. 🌻