Finally I can Share my contribution to the Cancer Collaboration.

Burning Desire!

This is my fourth consecutive year in this special and meaningful collaboration, which holds a special place in my heart. My piece symbolises the burning desire in everybody to overcome obstacles and shine through the gloom – to conquer our fears and shine through when darkness engulfs us.

A little about the flower, since many of you might not be familiar with this variety – Flame of the forest (Spathodea Campanulata) is also known as Fountain Tree, African Tulip Tree, Nandi Flame.

This tree is planted extensively as an ornamental tree throughout the tropics and is much appreciated for its very showy reddish-orange or crimson, campanulate flowers. The generic name, refers to the spathe-like calyx.

The flower bud is ampule-shaped and contains water. Children often play with the buds by squirting water on each other. The sap sometimes stains yellow on fingers and clothes. The open flowers are cup-shaped and hold rain and dew, making them attractive to many species of birds.

These trees are very common where I live, in Bangalore- India – and a whole flower is so big that it fills up both my open palms and spills over! My daughter says that it resembles a crown and the very size and sheer brilliance is so enchanting that you cannot but be mesmerised by its beauty.

It was quite a challenge to make this flower without any cutters or veiners. I really had to pick my brains to try and make it look similar to the real flower. I do hope you like it, at least as much as I enjoyed making it 
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