I explore plants as subject matter whether in the landscape, garden, or as individual specimens to be studied, dissected and marvelled at. I completed the RBGE DIP in Botanical Illustration at RBGE in 2012 to learn about botany, aspects of plant history and to further develop accurate first-hand observational skills. This, combined with my earlier BA Hons and PG Dip. in drawing and painting from ECA, have led to me combining both educational experiences within my current practice. I now work across a variety of media and techniques and experimentation for me is a key part of my process. I combine my interest in the landscape and plant life with abstraction in my most recent paintings of floral arrangements, plant close-ups and cell life. I am interested in the way that plants and cut flower arrangements whether in a vessel, posy, or bouquet can pose dualities – reflecting both beauty and decay and suggesting gift giving and spiritual spell wielding. Several of my paintings are inspired by my small city garden and the magic that can be held within this intimate space. Memories ,the seasons, time and ecological resilience inform the works. This includes the pollen-rich flowers and the ability to observe biodiversity. Each plant has a fragility, an experience shared by all living things. I enjoy letting my paintings evolve organically a process that echoes the plant growth cycle. My series ‘Cell to Bloom’ has been exploring the beauty of cell life to the flower open to the Sun.