I first noticed these flowers when I brought my artwork to an art fair for the very first time. It was on Governors Island in July 2023. They were Common Chicory (Cichorium intybus).
The fair lasted two days. On the first day, I didn't sell a single thing. I felt so embarrassed that I didn't even come back for the second day—I just didn't see the point.
But while I was there, I met an artist whose booth was constantly full of customers. I walked up to her and asked,
"How do you do it?"
She smiled and said,
"Prints. They've kept me busy for the past three years."
At the time, I had no idea what art prints were. But I thanked her for the advice and went home to learn everything I could about them.
Two years later, I returned to that same art fair on Governors Island, this time in July 2025. I sold seven prints. I couldn't have been happier. I also received so many compliments and saw so many genuinely excited faces looking at my artwork. Looking back now, it feels like so much has happened since then—I’ve been to many fairs, and I've sold many prints and original paintings. But in reality, it's only been a year. :)
So, this chicory takes me back to July 2023—to the day when I didn't sell anything and convinced myself that my artwork simply wasn't good enough for people to buy.
But that wasn't the reason at all.
That day turned out to be a major turning point.
Now I'm seeing chicory growing here in the Poconos, and I felt inspired to paint it. While looking through the photos on my iPhone, dating back to 2021, I found this composition.
Details:
- Title: Chicory No. 1
- Series: Wildflowers of NYC and Pocono
- Medium: Watercolor
- Support: Watercolor paper (300 gsm)
- Dimensions: 12” × 9” (30.5cm x 22.8cm)
- Framed: Includes a 14" × 11" ( 35.6cm x 28cm) white frame with mat
- Shipping: The artwork will be sent in a box
