Pumpkin Cut Short by Mirra Whale

Size (cm): 62 x 52
oil on linen
My work often explores themes of potentiality, transience, and the delicate balance of life cycles. This piece, centered around a pumpkin flower picked before its full transformation, is a meditation on what could have been.
There is a poignant tension in this act. The flower, no longer part of the vine, will never fulfill its destiny of maturing into a pumpkin. This speaks to the fragility of life and the myriad factors that can alter its course. It evokes a sense of loss, but also invites contemplation on the beauty and completeness of each stage of life, however brief.
The vibrant colour and intricate structure of the flower serve as a reminder of nature’s artistry. Its temporary nature underscores the preciousness of each moment and the importance of appreciating the present. Through this work, I aim to provoke a dialogue about our relationship with nature, the passage of time, and the acceptance of life’s inherent uncertainties.