Among this scattering of seals in shades of blue, one finds a handful of the many meanings that such tokens can convey. The three graces, a group of goddesses from Greek mythology, pose with their arms wrapped around one another—a symbol of elegance and a transcendent beauty that emanates from within. This example may not always give nod to the meaning of a letter but perhaps to the personal aspirations or character of the sender or recipient. Another motif, the ship on a raging sea, points to harmony—an inner resilience or adaptability when facing the unpredictable changes of life. Varied flowers also hold special meaning, such as a forget-me-not signifying remembrance.
Text Leslie Bennett Smith
Photography Marcy Black Simpson
Styling Sydney Bragiel
To learn more about Kathryn Hastings & Co., see “Ode to the Epistolary” in the January/February 2024 issue, available on newsstands and at victoriamag.com. Plus, find the artist’s work in the pages of our next hardcover volume, The Art of Correspondence, coming soon.
