Gallery

One of the many reasons why I adore wildflowers: they represent the yin and yang of being wild and free, strong yet delicate, many with the superhero ability to rise up through rubble. Here now, but perhaps not for much longer. A wildflower experiences growth and decay, often in a thimble of time. Growing in discomfort to ensure survival, thriving on the edge of things, whether that is a cliff, roadside or the grill of a drain. They find expanse in the smallest of gaps and hold space with authority.

Pheasant’s-eye is an endangered wildflower, it has been included as a species ‘of principle importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity’ under section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities act 2006.

As my art evolves and I learn more about our natural world, I am aware that fragility is ever present. In a place full of consumerism we often neglect to notice and treat the most fragile among us with respect and care.

This piece is inspired by the Pasqueflower, one of the most fragile amongst us. Painted with natural pigment inks, ethically foraged materials from a site where we hand sowed 2,600 Pasqueflower seeds back in September 2023. We noticed, we cared and we showed respect in a hope to save this fragile flower.

This rare wildflower, which is considered ‘vulnerable’ in Britain, can now only be found at 19 sites across England – after it was lost from 108 sites.

Many wildflowers are barely the size of your fingertip, I love the idea of the micro becoming macro. I wanted to celebrate the smallest wildflowers by painting them on a large scale. The base painting has been immersed in its environment, a month spent outside on private land in Hampshire amongst the Ash, Hazel and Douglas Fir. Embracing the frost, wind, rain and sun, sometimes covered by a fallen branch and visited by the Deer that live there. Painting wild and free and embracing the land to add its own marks the work. These pieces have experienced the elements as a wildflower would.

I slid down a cliff three times just to get up close and personal with the purple oxytropis; a species that is on the very brink of extinction. This silky leaved plant had arms reaching up towards the sun, with pink flowers that would turn to purple with age, all covered with fine silver threads that shone in the light. The fragility of this plant - that is quite literally living on the edge - spoke to my soul. The impermanence of life and this cyclical nature of the plants we desperately want to save (but without support may not be able to) is showing up in my work.

Watercolour and natural pigment, oak galls from Embercombe, Dartmoor

Draw close your blanket of wildflowers. Life. Death. extends equally along its patchwork meadow. Weaving fresh blossom & retiring stems. An aged rhythm that we are woven in.

The Peony represents romance, prosperity and compassion. In art its message is to honour and to treat others how you wish to be treated. It also tells us to take care of our inner beauty and to celebrate everyday as a special day.

(Limited Edition Giclée print available in the shop)

In the language of flowers, the Magnolia’s message is simple, surrender to your own inner wisdom which knows no limits. The magnolia invites us to let go of the ideas that no longer serve us, enabling us to carve a path forward with courage and gumption.

(Limited Edition Giclée print available in the shop)

The Beech is the Queen and Mother of the woods. She is a generous and remarkably spiritual tree, she is nurturing and wise. It is said if you need guidance to sit under her protective canopy and she will share her wisdom.

(Limited Edition Giclée print available in the shop)

A gentle reminder to celebrate the small things, to respect life’s fragile beauty, to pause and reflect. Each petal in this piece represents a breath, a joyful experience of breathing with my paintbrush to create wistful tissue paper layers.

(Limited Edition Giclée print available in the shop)

The Iris represents wisdom, hope, trust and valour and is long associated with royalty. They are a wonderful gift to those who have inspired you. Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and the messenger between worlds. The Iris in art symbolises messages from your angels.

(Limited Edition Giclée print available in the shop)