The Bearded Iris is also called the German Iris. The Fleur de Lis icon was adapted from the bearded iris and used as a symbol of power and position by royal families. And maybe more important to us today is its use in Bombay Gin for flavor and color.

The bearded iris bloom has been the symbol of monarchs and royal families throughout history. "Iris" is the name of the Greek Goddess of the Rainbow. The "Fleur de Lys" icon was fashioned from the iris and used on royal banners by the Bourbon Kings of France and on the flag until the revolution. It is currently on Québec's flag. The iris has been used in Great Britain by Edward III and Elizabeth I. The flower is almost as famous as the rose in great art and the root of the iris is used in the production of perfumes.

Third and final attempt at memorial shoe for my best friend's mother, Estelle, who died of Covid-19 in 2020. She was stylish, dramatic to the max and always wore high heels (even walking in New York).

Second attempt at a memorial shoe for my best friend's mother, Estelle, who died of Covid-19 in 2020.

First attempt at piece in remembrance of the passing of my best friend's mother. She died of COVID-19. Estelle was wonderfully dramatic and always wore heels in New York.

The name references the flower of the beautiful and deadly angel's trumpet plant, known for its heavenly evening scent and large pendulous, trumpet-shaped blooms. This can be one mean plant. Eating the flower causes TERRIFYING hallucinations, loss of any connection to reality and even death. One man cut off his penis and tongue under the influence of one cup of tea brewed from the plant. Several South American indigenous cultures have used the plant mixed with maize beer and tobacco leaves "to drug wives and slaves before they were BURIED ALIVE with their dead lord." Watch out.