Description
All Gem and Temper depicts a male ruby-throated hummingbird pollinating a blue columbine flower. This scratchboard was first etched with a sharpened sewing needle. Next, iridescent watercolor paint was applied to the white scratches. Finally, a clear coat of varnish protects the artwork. This 6″ x 6″ scratchboard is a jewel in the Radiance Flies Christmas 2023 Collection.
The columbine flower represents faith, hope, and love. Furthermore, seven columbine plants were symbolic indicators of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude or courage, knowledge, piety, and fear or reverence of God.
To me, the blue columbine always reminds me of summers spent with my family in the national forests of Colorado.
Not just how
it hung so still
in the quick of its wings,
all gem and temper
anchored in air…– Mark Roper
