Mail Art South Florida
This painting is part of my continued participation in the @mailartmovement, where my contribution focuses on sharing the people, culture, flora, fauna, and history that make South Florida such a vibrant and colorful community. Through small scale works that travel and circulate, I aim to highlight stories that are deeply rooted in place and memory. Julia Tuttle stands as an essential figure within that mission, representing the foundations of Miami and the often overlooked individuals who shaped the region long before it became what we know today.
The portrait is rendered in warm sepia, gold and earthen tones, giving the image the feeling of an aged photograph emerging from time. The surface is heavily textured, with layered brushwork and subtle abrasion that suggest history, endurance, and quiet strength. Julia Tuttle’s expression is calm and resolute, her gaze steady and composed, as if fully aware of her role in shaping the future around her. The restrained palette and softened edges create a sense of reverence, allowing the subject to feel both present and historical at once.
Julia Tuttle is widely recognized as the Mother of Miami, and her influence on South Florida is profound. In the late nineteenth century, she owned large tracts of land along the Miami River and played a pivotal role in convincing Henry Flagler to extend his Florida East Coast Railway south to Miami after the Great Freeze devastated much of the state. By sending him orange blossoms and demonstrating that her land had survived the freeze, she helped secure the railroad extension that ultimately led to Miami’s founding in 1896. Her vision, determination, and willingness to advocate for the region laid the groundwork for the city’s growth, making her one of the few women in American history to found a major city. This painting honors her legacy and acknowledges her lasting impact on South Florida’s identity, resilience, and sense of possibility.
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Private Collection of Karen Perry
IG: @elvissantanaart