Named 2021 Plant of the Year, the red maranta prayer plant signifies the seemingly impossible gratitude in such an arduous year. We were challenged to reflect on our lives in a new light and appreciate those moments, people, and places that surmounted chaos to bring us pockets of solace. Like clockwork, the red maranta raises and folds its leaves each night resembling hands in a prayer of gratitude. 

I celebrate the red maranta in this mixed medium piece, including layers of oil paint, enamel paint, and oil pastels. Translucent, milky enamel softens piercingly warm-toned oil paint to create an ethereal feeling, and textured pastels are carved to reveal the bright red veins of the maranta leaf. 

Samantha Barrett, Designer