A Rose Between Two Thorns

Posted by Emilia Valerio • 5 months ago

a drawn illustration of a delicate rose with a green stem and leaves s between 2 brown thorned branches. The rose is bright purple in different shades, showing the petals and enhancing the image
a drawn illustration of a delicate rose with a green stem and 2 leaves between 2 brown thorned branches. The rose is a classic red, in different shades showing the petals and enhancing the image.
a drawn illustration of a delicate rose with a green stem and 2 leaves between 2 brown thorned branches. The rose is green in different shades showing the petals and enhancing the image.
a drawn illustration of a delicate rose with a green stem and 2 leaves between 2 brown thorned branches. The rose is a warm pink in different shades showing the petals and enhancing the image.
a drawn illustration of a delicate rose with a green stem and 2 leaves between 2 brown thorned branches. The rose is a classic red in different shades showing the petals and enhancing the image.
a drawn illustration of a delicate rose with a green stem and 2 leaves between 2 brown thorned branches. The rose is a striking bright bule in different shades showing the petals and enhancing the image.

In Session 3 of our leadership program, we were asked to choose a metaphor. I chose “A rose Between Two Thorns” and drew the image on the iPad. For me the idea of being a rose between two thorns was something that my mum used to say to me. I always chose boys to be friends with when I was young, so I was naturally seen by people as the rose between two thorns.

The metaphor also allowed me to reflect my leadership style of being like a chameleon – Situational Leadership: In that way I adapt to the situations I find myself in. Posting things online, working with young people at camp or being around friends and family.

It made me think of all the different ways we have to adapt.  I’m also someone who is very affected by the environment around me. Sometimes thorns protect but sometimes the thorns of life can affect the way a rose is seen or held. Throughout the residency, I’ve been exploring Pop Art so I did many different versions of the rose! Red, Blue, Pink, Purple, Yellow and more.