Scent of Austin 08092023

Broqpa is the name of a small village in Nepal. Ziesook first learned of it from a TV documentary, The Last Empire. Ziesook was moved by what she learned about a small village located at the end of the Silk Road in Nepal named Broq-pa. In Broq-pa, the symbolic meaning of flowers is very special. In the Nepalese culture, flowers symbolize love, happiness, and appreciation for God. Broq-pa’s women are committed to growing flowers in their garden and decorate their hair with flowers every day. Ziesook wanted to incorporate this traditional symbolism from Broq-pa into her work. After moving to Texas, one of the first things I did was go out and collect some of the state's wildflowers. I was drawn to the sea holly, lace flower, bluebonnet, Indian paintbrush, and pink evening primrose in particular. I also gathered specimens of the evening primrose, Indian blanket, campanula, cornflower, gayfeather, texas thistle, perovskia, leucophyllum, knautia arvensis, and cirsism horridulum michx. I collected photos and have been editing a photo essay book about 'the color of Texas'. Also have been making a documentary with nature movie clips. This project is a great way to celebrate the beauty of Texas and raise awareness about the importance of preserving its natural treasures.