Roses have been inspirational to me as I love their beauty and elegance. They have been included in my body of work as a motif to portray femininity and a connection to Greek culture. Inspired by Amber Creswell Bell’s exploration of still life, I chose to explore roses as a form of self-expression, representing my ancestral heritage. I have been surrounded by these beautiful flowers growing up and the connection to my family in Agros, Cyprus.

My aim for this photograph was to capture the pure beauty of the rose, conveyed in a still life setting. The monochromatic dark background of this photograph frames the rose, emphasising the delicate petals. Roses can be seen as a symbol of femininity, love, and beauty and are associated with the Ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite. I have experienced the process of making products with the fragrant roses grown in a village in Cyprus, where my family is from.