Nina Surel’s art explores life’s rituals, drawing from art history and her personal journey. She captures transformation, aging, resilience, and fragility in mediums like clay, plants, and raw canvas. A monumental wall relief composed of over 100 pieces of stoneware ceramic, Allegory of Florida narrates a journey through time, and imagines Florida as a goddess of feminine fertility. Complete with references to native flora and fauna such as Herons, Coonties, Florida Beauty berries, Seagrapes and Cocoplums, the work underscores the esoteric connotations and interconnectedness of our local ecosystem. Surel’s art envisions a world beyond stereotypes, exploring identity, transformation, and our profound connection to the Earth. The work celebrates women’s role in nurturing a sustainable world and embracing a diverse, non-binary reality. It reconnects with matriarchal legacies, honoring the timeless, feminine earth.