Patricia Tozer | The Rose Bower

Artist: Patricia Tozer, CanadaMaterials: sterling silver, fine silver, tourmalineSize: 8 1/2 Artist Statement: The Rose Bower ring is the result of my research into walled gardens as depicted in Medieval secular and religious illuminated manuscripts. My favourite image is that of a woman sitting with a weaving(?) project in a garden surrounded by trellises of blooming roses. It seems the perfect, idyllic place to escape to for a few hours of solitude. This particular image formed the starting point for this creation. In the Middle Ages, the 'secluded garden' would often be planted with flowering vines and feature a lawn strewn with freshly cut flowers. The effect would be to envelop the visitor in the narcotic fragrance of roses and other scented flowers, especially on a warm summer day where the walls would keep the heat. Roses in particular have always been highly prized and carry deep symbolic meaning in many places around the world. They have been used in medicine, perfumes, food,