The exhibit aims to get people thinking about climate change, according to Sullivan. She explained that she takes inspiration from the flowers in her garden and used them to reflect on environmental issues. “I see them as visual metaphors for climate change, biomorphic Frankensteins designed to seduce the viewer, just like our addiction to fossil fuels and technology, ” Sullivan said. 

“It is really special to me to be in the museum because I grew up in Mobile, Alabama and I can’t believe I got asked to have a showing in the museum. It is one of my greatest accomplishments,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan has lived in the South all her life and says this has heavily shaped her art. The flowers and ginkgo leaves she painted are autobiographical. “Hydrangeas were always in my relative’s yards growing up, and now they are in my yard,” Sullivan said.

She explained that she had avoided painting flowers for years due to the challenge of separating the floral composition from personal emotions.

“I want my paintings to be beautiful but intimidating in their complexity. I use technology to rearrange flowers into symmetrical designs. The symmetry and order give them a commanding presence in my mind. They are beautiful but serious, complex and measured” Sullivan said. 

Sullivan’s exhibit was a small part of her larger vision and motivations. “Art is my motivation. It informs every decision I make, and it is the one area of my life where I am truly disciplined. I would rather paint than take an afternoon off to go to the beach or take a nap at home. I am driven to paint. Any trip I take, I will see art and look for new ideas,” Sullivan said.

The Mobile Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. Prices vary depending on age; however, Thursdays are free for Alabama residents.

For more information, visit the Mobile Museum of Art website at mobilemuseumofart.com. To watch the video story go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poD3hPXUqbU.