Dad: Concept

 

This image shows the overall composition of the work. 

Elements include the hand-hold which was initially daughters hand over fathers, in an act of love and protection towards him. She knew he'd used what little strength he had to place his hand above hers as a final act of love and protection over her. 

One of her fathers most treasured experiences was spending time in Iran in the 80's. Here he witnessed how Iranian men treated women and each other, he saw decedence and depravity, beautiful sights such as Persopolis and saw bombs drop on Tehran, before he flew home. 

His daughters name originated from Persia, and it's meaning was 'beautiful princess'. He held her as precious but also a thing to be treasured. Sadly, some men want to own and exploit treasure instead of valuing and caring for it.

The roses represent protection and invoke the heady scent of the old English rose as well as damaskan roses grown extensively in Iran. The beauty of the rose, it's scent, its delicate petals and the thorns for protection, are all symbolic in this work. 

Roses, in their natural form had heady scent and sharp thorns. Over the centuries, they have lost their scent, and thorns no longer prick the growers fingers... they have become easier to handle. 

... 

She was beautiful.. and had thorns... when it was required of her to protect herself and those who were vulnerable.