"Hollyhocks #3"

Hollyhocks #3

Nancy Herman

oil on canvas board

6" x 8"

Hollyhocks are the flowers I associate with my childhood.  I think they were the first flowers I actually became aware of.  In the fog of early consciousness I was attracted to their centers and then frightened by some unexpected movement inside - probably bees.  I still retain this simultaneous attraction - repulsion feeling whenever I come upon them.

That is probably why I only have one plant in my garden this beautiful soft pink.

Recently I visited some friends who had the most spectacular Hollyhocks I have ever seen surrounding their very extensive, beautiful gardens.  They were at least 8 feet tall and blooming like teenagers.