Yellow Roses
By Craig Bortmas
30 Oct 2009
Initially, I was going to place this story into the Essay section. Then I thought that it would be more appropriate in the How To, as in 'How to make a stranger smile'. As you can see, I settled on Project, because I think we need more smiles these days. I'm challenging you to have an effect on the day of a stranger. Go out and make them smile.
Floriography, the language of flowers, defines the yellow rose as a symbol of joy and friendship. Of course, in some cultures this is not true.
This project was obviously not about composition; it was about reaction, both mine and the recipients. I did not know who was going to be gifted, so was kept constantly on my toes.
The flowers were carried and distributed by Chicago based artist Kristina Guzikova. She walked with purpose, flashing smiles and attracting curious glances. What a sight, this bright spot drifting through a sea of black and gray.
While she did meet with some aversion, the gift was generally received with great appreciation. Days were changed. A bright spot was created. Moods were uplifted. We went home smiling, and so did a dozen other people that we will never see again.
The whole shoot took all of seven minutes. The affect, however, will resonate much longer.
1 response
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Jennifer Dunkley said (30 Oct 2009):
Love the idea. People are more and more cold these days and its hard to get a smile out of them. Something like this would touch someone for long time. We must mark the difference.
