In her hands, the Fleur-de-lis—an emblem long tied to royalty and French
identity—sheds its heraldic rigidity to gain new textures and a modern
sensitivity. Érica approaches it in two distinct works: one infused with “the
softness of flowers from Parisian gardens,” using a deeper red tone, and
another where a lilac version of the symbol interacts with “the rigidity of the
tower,” as seen in her piece titled Self-Portrait with Purple Fleur-de-lis. To her,
this lilac Fleur-de-lis represents the floral form the Eiffel Tower might take—an
elegant contrast to the monument’s iron grandeur.
The White Lily, a symbol of purity and timeless elegance, blossoms in her
compositions with a kind of light that seems to radiate from within. Érica aimed
to express “the delicacy of these beautiful flowers and the strength they
symbolize in the heart,” even painting “a heart blooming with white lilies”—a
striking image that unites fragility with vitality.
And the lavenders... Ah, the lavenders! In her paintings, you can almost smell their
fragrance, drifting through the fields of Provence, that rich purple stretching under
the Mediterranean sun. For Érica, this flower isn’t just about color or scent, but an
invitation to “rest and reflect—a scent of inspiration.” Lavender, she says, “always
reminds me of rest—those moments where you stop to recharge.” It’s one of her
favorite fragrances, and one of the colors she finds most sophisticated—
capturing the soul of Provence and its deep ties to France. When imagining the
scent of the Seine at dusk, she envisions red roses, jasmine, or orange blossom—
the latter evoking memories of the Orangerie and Monet’s vast water lilies.
The Parisian atmosphere—with its blooming gardens, the Eiffel Tower glowing at
night, incredible museums, and rich history—was an endless source of inspiration.
As she puts it, “Paris breathes and inspires art,” offering a fascinating “contrast
between the softness of scattered flowers and trees and the bold, strong
presence of its historic monuments.” Érica sees art as a force that can inspire and
add meaning beyond mere decoration. And in France, she’s found fertile ground
for that vision. Her flowers aren’t just meant to adorn—they’re meant to connect,
to invite contemplation of nature, and in turn, a deeper reflection on our own
essence.