Sanderson Rose

Description

Some grew up with Sanderson linen on our parents’ sitting room furniture. Do you remember cheerful, rose patterns? For me this rose is a trip down memory lane. A nostalgic journey to school-going days. That time when we were free and had few responsibilities. When all we did was assist with home chores, go to school, play sport, and look forward to the weekends. I went ice-skating on a Saturday.

The perspective of this rose is different: it is facing downwards. It is not often a rose is positioned this way in a painting. Is the rose indicating melancholy? Perhaps the stem is broken? Perhaps the life supply is intentionally severed? Maybe there are not-so-happy childhood memories, and they need to be examined and counselled? Is there pain and suffering associated with the linen fabric, which can be soft, embracing, and warm? Were there disciplinary meetings or harsh words used in the sitting room? Could there be scars associated with the thorny rose?

I acknowledge contented childhood, but also reflect on sad, abused children. May this painting signify kindness, care, and empathy.