Luanne Dominix "Emily's"

Luanne Dominix (Canada)

Emily's, 2023
watercolour on cotton paper
8.5 x 7.5", framed to 13" x 14" in black frame with white mat
ready to hang

Emily’s is a watercolour painting of rugosa roses and is named for my paternal great grandmother. These roses grew in her backyard and are tied to my earliest memories of her. She grew up in a very isolated, rural community. As was common for women of the time, Emily was illiterate. However, she had a deep understanding of the earth and her use of the rugosa rose is one such example of her knowledge that was passed to me. This painting is part of my broader practice which explores the intersection of natural resources, culture, and identity.

Medicinal Qualities: The Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa) is also known as the Beach Rose. It is not native to Newfoundland and Labrador but was introduced to the island by European settlers in the 19th century. Their hardiness has allowed the roses to survive and thrive along our rugged and often harsh coast line. 
The petals have been used for their anti-inflammatory properties and to help ease menstrual pain. I am most familiar with them being dried and brewed into tea by my great grandmother. She would also roll the petals in sugar to create a simple candy.

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