Story behind the art of Hyun Jung Kim
29th Annual International
American Society of Botanical Artists and the Society of Illustrators
Scilla
Scilla siberica
When I chose Scilla siberica as the subject of this artwork, I was drawn not only to its delicate beauty but also to the quiet strength hidden within such a small flower.
Scilla blooms in the very early days of spring, when the ground is still frozen and the air remains cold. To me, it is a symbol of resilience. I imagined this tiny flower pushing through frozen soil, fallen branches, and scattered stones with all its strength, determined to reach the light. Although it appears fragile, it possesses remarkable courage.
While I was drawing this piece, I kept thinking about its extraordinary blue color. In my imagination, the flower believed that spring had finally arrived. It expected warm sunlight and gentle air as it emerged from the earth. Instead, it was greeted by lingering cold. I imagined that the cold had painted the petals blue, as though the flower had turned blue from the chill while bravely facing the world.
This poetic image stayed with me throughout the drawing process. I wanted the blue not only to represent a botanical characteristic but also to express hope, vulnerability, perseverance, and the quiet determination to bloom despite difficult conditions.
For this work, I used colored pencils, carefully building many transparent layers to create the rich yet delicate blue tones of the petals. I also paid close attention to the textures of the frozen ground, weathered branches, and small stones, allowing them to contrast with the softness of the flower. The harsh surroundings emphasize the miracle of new life emerging in early spring.
More than anything, I hope viewers will see beyond the beauty of the flower itself. I hope they will recognize the quiet courage of a small plant that blooms before winter has fully disappeared. Like many moments in our own lives, beauty often appears not after hardship has ended, but while we are still making our way through it.
To me, Scilla siberica is a gentle reminder that even the smallest and most delicate life can possess remarkable strength.
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