The Church of Our Lady in Fleet, Hampshire, England just reached its centenary in June of 2008. To commemorate this grand occasion they held a Flower Festival that uniquely depicts the life of Christ.
I was greatly honored to have my painting, “The Passion Flower” selected to mark such a special occasion, half a world away, with it’s use of my piece on posters, leaflets, invitations, flyers and programmes.
“The Passion Flower” by Cherish Flieder
Painted on an Easter Sunday, God inspired me with this image that illustrates, in an ethereal way, the spiritual beauty that comes only through suffering. My desire was to juxtapose the classic symbol of the “passion” flower (as established by Spanish monks while exploring the New World) and the piercing crown of thorns in the background to fully realize a symbol of Christ’s identity, suffering and His reward in exchange for the ultimate life-giving sacrifice on the cross. With this act, not only did He take on our sins to give us true life, but He also comforts and promises us to bring this rare beauty to our hearts when we experience sufferings of many kinds.
It was an joy to exhibit two of my recent pieces of “Something to Cherish” watercolor/embroidered art in the 18th Annual Colorado Alliance of Illustrators Members Show. As VP of the Colorado Alliance of Illustrators, I had the honor to help organize and promote this event to artists and art lovers alike. As a result we ended up with almost 90 pieces of illustrated art from over 40 Colorado illustrators and over 200 people attending on opening night!
Cherish Flieder and Benjamin Hummel, Colorado native artists & children’s book illustrators, in conjunction with the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, bring to Colorado art lovers a show entitled “Illustrated Books.” Through April 25th, the Madison and Main Gallery in Greeley, CO will display original artwork, prints, journals, cards and the award winning, co-illustrated children’s book, What Would You Like to Do Today? by Larry Grizzell. For more information please visit the gallery at http://www.madisonandmaingallery.com and the artists at http://www.paintingforlife.com.
