My Memento Mori series is not simply about contemplating our mortality, but about realizing the value of each moment. As a woman who has allowed nature to take its course without fear, I am often asked about my ìunusualî approach to aging. When conceptualizing my Memento Mori Self Portrait, flowers had to play an important role. Not only for their transient nature, but for their symbolism. I chose flowers that were in their ideal stage, suitable for botanical illustration with their bright colors, curves, and beauty. The portrait sits within two planes of these flowers, but without any real sense of space. The uniform patterned background fights to come forward, and the flowers in front are trapped within the confines of the body and hair. The flowers also contain hidden messages. Each was chosen for its Victorian meaning and used to symbolize major events in my life. They represent my search for the beauty in my imperfection.