“The Armored Heart” reveals a floral arrangement that is not merely an accessory but an armor, enveloping the figure in a protective embrace of natural beauty. The “armor” looks fierce at first glance but is delicate, beautiful, and vulnerable.

The side view of the figure in a feathered helmet, as well as the ornate border, are reminiscent of a Renaissance-era portrait of a warrior. The intense purples and blues in the floral arrangement suggest a regal quality, akin to a cloak of nobility, while the subtle greens signify growth and renewal.

The beetles play a large part in this painting, having a long history of symbolic significance. In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle with wings closed represented a neophyte or student, while the wings open symbolized one taking flight to knowledge. The patterns in the frame are the same patterns that beetles make in wood and the earth.

All of the flowers represented in the painting are either incredibly rare or in danger of decline.

"The Armored Heart” is from the series, “Untangling Our Roots”, which explores the evolution from childhood beliefs and cultural influences to developing a unique path and voice as an adult. Each painting in the series addresses a different universal struggle and is infused with a solitary figure, enigmatic nature as a healing and guiding force, and/or spiritual and cultural symbolism. This series strives to embody mystery, beauty, exploration, and discovery.