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Mai Yap's paintings of beautiful flowers transformed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center into an exotic garden last Sunday, when the Palmetto Bay artist inaugurated her latest work.
The artist's exhibit, Love Bouquet, is composed of vibrant paintings of sunflowers, orchids and lilies that brought some of nature's brightest colors to the center.
''Her work is very beautiful,'' said Gail Schrack, who attended Sunday's inaugural party in Key Biscayne. ``I just love how bright and alive her paintings are.''
Yap's eclectic background blends in her canvas.
The artist, who was born in Panama to Chinese parents, uses her flowers' bright colors to represent her Panamanian origins, while the plant's intricate shapes symbolize her Chinese roots.
The artist's depiction of the world's flora also represents her deepest feelings.
''Whenever I'm going to paint, I see how I feel and then I pick a color according to my mood,'' Yap said. ``If I'm feeling passionate, I might use red colors, but if I'm sad or nostalgic, I might choose to paint a white or yellow flower.''
Through her flowers, Yap, who lives in Palmetto Bay, also represents people's personalities.
A big and voluptuous flower, the artist explained, represents a dominant person, while a lighter and less intricate plant depicts a more low-key individual.
''You can use flowers not only to represent nature, but also events and even people,'' Yap said.
In addition to exhibiting her art, the artist also teaches at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, where her students learn how to paint some of nature's most delicate plants.
Yap's colorful creations will continue to decorate the Nature Center's walls until June 28, when Love Bouquet will close its doors.
''She uses paint and color in such a way that it really captures the energy of the flowers,'' said Kit Kimball, one of Yap's students who attended Sunday's event.
``She just paints with happiness.''
BY ROCIO BLANCO GARCIA |
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