Postcards from Nature collection (I) Scottish Highland Collection
Painted with watercolour and natural pigments – seaweed from Portvasgo, RSPB highland flow country peat, oak gall ink from Embercombe, Dartmoor, knopper gall ink from Netley Common, acorn caps from Netley Common, lichen from Dartmoor’s Yarner wood.
Full piece measures 120 x 81.2 cm, 300gsm hot pressed watercolour paper. Includes Oak frame (no glass) 25 postcards.
This piece is from my Fragile Nature exhibition, which highlights wild plants that are at risk of extinction and explores the relationship between art and conservation. A showcase of my time at conservation charity Plantlife as their first artist in residence.
The exhibition, is born out of my transformative journey last summer visiting some of the rarest plants in the UK. From the rugged coast of the Highlands to the road verges of Kent, I have encountered and connected with overlooked but remarkable plant species.
Painting on location has taught me to paint quick, this is a joyful and energy filled way to create. Often working across multiple postcards at a time, this gifts me the freedom to flow between them without become transfixed on one piece.
Collecting shadows is a meditative way to work. Patiently waiting for the precious moment when the sun comes out and a fragile shadow dances across my page. Paintbrush ready to gather the shape and texture of the wild plant I am with, working fast before the sun dips back behind the clouds.
Meeting these wildflowers has shown me how we treat the most fragile amongst us. Fragility is ever present, in a world of consumerism, we often neglect to notice the most fragile amongst us, we can hurricane past without respect of care. With every new site, my confidence has grown and my connection to nature has deepened. I feel as if, gradually, I have found my voice: a voice that is determined to speak up for and protect these incredible plants.
Notes to investors, original art care notes: Watercolour paints are high grade light fast pigments. Natural pigments may alter overtime, there may be a slight fade of darkening to the tones. To avoid this keep Please keep your Iris Hill original out of direct sunlight and heat, for example do not hang over a radiator or where there is excessive moisture. The framed pieces were hung without glass for exhibition purposes, for longevity you may wish to consider adding glass to reduce risk of warping, please consult a framer.
