MÉMOIRES EN FLEURS — 24” x 36”
Acrylic and mixed media on wood
Dear Odette, welcome to the 60 Club and happy birthday! Don’t worry—everything will be just fine.
This personalized creation celebrates the 60th birthday of a small woman with a very big heart. Throughout her life, Odette has scattered many seeds along her path. Over time, those seeds have blossomed into flowers, each holding a sweet memory of her presence in the lives of those around her… all of you gathered here tonight.
Within the different layers of paint, you will discover many symbols representing the people closest to her.
First of all, I learned that Odette loves Birds of Paradise flowers. It quickly became clear to me that, within this composition, our celebrant would be represented by this majestic flower. From there, she looks out over her own little paradise: all of you, symbolized by flowers and petals.
The two flowers located right next to the Bird of Paradise represent her family. You will find SUPERMOM, a tribute to her two beloved daughters, Audrey and Camille. Serge is symbolized by a guitar; her goddaughter Juliette by chocolate; Frank by a fork; and her cousin Nathalie by a vintage suitcase. Her sisters are represented by a hand, while her parents are symbolized by a pair of scissors accompanied by a musical score.
On the friends’ side, I invite you first to look at the red rose on the right side of the piece. There you will recognize the logo of Paul-VI School, which reflects her affection for Jacques, Suzanne, Marjo, and Yves. Her friend Geneviève is represented by the word Querida, while Lucie and Luc appear through the phrase Life is short.
I also challenge you to spot the little gazelle, which represents the group of CIBC girls when they travel. You will also find the Saint-Bruno friends, symbolized by FAB FOUR, and the Boucherville group, represented by the city’s logo along with the phrase “I love my neighbor.” The orange flower in the lower left represents her Thetford friends. You will also notice the presence of Berthe, symbolized by a shining golden star that sparkles and lights up each of you. The tennis group is represented by the blue flower in the lower right.
I was also told that Odette is a true little bundle of energy. That’s why I included words such as POW, BAM, FUN, WOOHOO, and LET’S PARTY in the piece. You will also find a few playful nods to the 1970s, an era that is dear to me as well, since I was part of it too.
I would like to thank Camille, Audrey, and Nathalie, as well as all of you, for trusting me with the creation of this unique work titled MEMORIES IN BLOOM. May it make you smile each time your eyes fall upon it, and remind you of the importance of surrounding yourself with people you love—those who, over the years, shape the very essence of who we become.
With you, in full color,
SAMSON