STUDIES IN URBAN NATURE
The Urban Nature paintings depict the often unseen and unnoticed beauty of found flora in urban settings; plant life from window boxes, community planters and roadsides, elevating them to demonstrate the power and value of nature in a city community.
Through these studies, they explore the importance of community, belonging, and balance, and external perceptions of identity.
Works are created with layers of oil glazes, building up the colour with depth and delicacy reminiscent of the petals and leaves of the florals. The whites are lifted from the ombre opaque background, which subtly shifts from deepest black to crimson across the canvas.
Inspired by traditional botanical illustrations, the stark images of single florals against deep, spacious backgrounds highlights the existence of these species in the time of climate crisis - how they have found a way to thrive, how they exists during different seasons, or have evolved in different regions. The inclusion of the botanical illustration reference comments on our decisions to have taken many florals and botanicals from their natural habitat, and continue to do so for our pleasure, regardless of whether or not it is for the best. The locally sourced subjects reminds us to look at what is close by and see the beauty of the nature that exists immediately around us.
For more details on previous collections, visit the Art homepage.