Today I had a drawing session outdoors with Flor, and for the first time this summer it felt like I was communing with nature. I didn’t realize how much I needed this and how much I had neglected it, in light of how unexpected this summer has turned out to be. But it felt like a rediscovery, where I was able to flow again and it has given new life to my creative energies.
The playlist of music I was listening to as I sat and drew shapes from this cucmber plant.
This week I’ve been working on an upcoming zine issue (PT Type) in collaboration with Chicago Graphic Design Club, as a result I’ve been thinking about typography . As I was walking around the garden space I was immediately drawn to the shadows of the cucumber plant’s vines and knew I wanted to spend some time with these shapes that felt calligraphic.
Experiencing magical moments in the garden
Flor in the distance drawing a geranium
My colored pencil drawings from today’s session
After the morning Plein air drawing session I went to Flor’s gallery talk at 65Grand gallery where I saw this piece (below), the top right corner features a flower from the cucumber plant I had been drawing earlier that day. The title of this piece is inspired by the sensation Flor de Piel, translates roughly to mean to “on the surface of the skin”. It describes a state where emotions or sensitivities are readily apparent, like an aura floating on the surface of the skin. It can also refer to something being easily noticeable or exposed. If you spend some time with the piece you will begin to notice the elements of the body that make up the framework for the work.
Flor Flores. “A Flor de Piel Lips like Petals Enredadera”. 2025. found flower, soft pastel, gypsum plaster. 5-1/4 x 9 in
Flower, Wind and Dog show at 65 Grand Gallery in Chicago July 11 - August 9
Participating artists: Flor Flores, Daniel Hojnacki, D Rosen
One of Flor’s early Kiki works (pictured center)
Studio visit to Flor’s studio May 18, 2025
