This sculpture was inspired by the stunning beauty of orchids in a greenhouse overflowing with intoxicating scent and delicate form.  I found myself lost in the patterns, buttery-soft texture, and velvety petals, anxious to express their loveliness through encaustic. Original photography printed onto textile, they were richly layered with encaustic medium, cut to shape, sculpted, hand-colored with powdered pigment, with tendrils constructed of wire and wax.  They are mounted onto a large cradled panel, in a background that lends a quiet atmosphere for them to rest.  Like orchids, we can also be fragile in form, yet capable of great strength from within.