Welcome to Hibiscus Studio

Welcome to Hibiscus Studio! The mission of my work, my website, and this blog is to bring joy and comfort to people from all walks of life through the otherworldly beauty of my hand-painted photoart and the stories behind the art.

How did I decide on the name? Several things contributed to this decision.

When I got married years ago, I did not want a big wedding with lots of people. Instead, we ran off to a tiny island resort in the Caribbean to conduct our nuptials. The only people in attendance were the bartender, who was our photographer and witness, and the kitchen staff, who were my makeshift bridesmaids. I wore a simple, lace-free, train-free dress and my husband wore a Tommy Bahama shirt and linen trousers. We were both barefoot. Our wedding cake was a simple one-layer affair homemade by the kitchen staff. And my bridal bouquet was an arrangement of hand-picked hibiscus from around the property tied together with a simple ribbon. I also had a bloom adorning my hair, which was up in a simple bun. When we were pronounced man and wife by the mayor of the small island town, I threw my bouquet to the excited ladies of the kitchen staff. Then my husband and I strolled into the calm ocean shallows to have a sip of champagne and our first kiss as man and wife.

That hibiscus only live for one day before closing up—never to reopen—is a reminder to savor the beauty in life and treasure the wonderful moments like my simple tropical wedding day. No stress, no seating arrangements, no drunken uncles, no jealous exes, no envious second cousins. Just a light tropical breeze, calm clear waters—and each other—to savor.

So the name Hibiscus Studio reminds me of the day that changed my life, and of the simple flower which only blooms for a day, but spreads much beauty and joy in that short period of time. I hope I can do as much.