I arranged the three layers of this image along a diagonal axis, starting with the unformed blossom in the lower right corner, representing a life yet to be experienced. A second layer evolves directly above it, as a plant explodes into a brilliantly colored double bloom. Its green stems also sprout several shadowy blossoms to come, as well as fly the tattered banners of blossoms past. These Lilliums, which grow in the courtyard of the Santa Fe Museum of Fine Arts, symbolize the life cycle in itself – yet the image adds still another level of meaning as it moves to the third layer – a softly focused chili ristra (a bunch of dried red peppers). The ristra, a decorative icon of the American Southwest, is partially in shadow, hanging in the darkness, and providing contrast to the flowers in scale, color, texture, and meaning. These peppers were once alive, yet acquire their purpose in death. If not shellacked, they can still be used to bring fire to the palate, and ultimately offer a symbol of hospitality to all who shall pass under its shadow.