2024

Watercolor on paper

Native to Minnesota, Nelumbo lutea, or the lotus plant, grows most commonly in the backwaters of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The lotus plant is treasured by various religions, symbolizing the ability to overcome adversity and challenges and rebirth. (Minnesota Wildflowers.org; Bouqs.com/blog/lotus-flower-meaning-and-symbolism)

During the summer of 2015, a year of personal loss, I learned to kayak in the quiet backwaters of the Mississippi River. The Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge, home to the lotus, is where I photographed this especially beautiful plant during the summer of 2023. This is my first attempt to share my experience of the lotus through a painting.

Michelle Cochran, August 2024