The tulip embroideries each have a pair of tulips dancing or courting on a paisley background. They are anthropomorphized into figures as the inclusion of bulbs and roots implies mobility and the proximity of the two tulips in each piece speaks to notions of romantic love. Tulips (and the paisley pattern) originated in Persia, over the centuries humans have been able to take the bulbs from their original habitat and grow them in gardens across the world as they are easily propagated and adaptable. Their habitat has become the garden, a constructed natural environment.

Tulip 1, 2009. 90 x 130 cm, embroidered cotton on cotton, oak frame.

Tulip 2, 2009. 90 x 130 cm, embroidered cotton on cotton, oak frame.

Tulip 3, 2009. 90 x 130 cm, embroidered cotton on fabric, oak frame. Collection Dalhousie Art Gallery.

Tulip 4, 2009. 90 x 130 cm, embroidered cotton on cotton, oak frame. Collection Nova Scotia Art Bank.

Tulip 5, 2010. 90 x 130 cm, embroidered cotton on cotton, oak frame.

Tulip 6, 2010. 90 x 130 cm, embroidered cotton on fabric, oak frame.

Photos: Morrow Scot-Brown