Plant / Life

This fall I was  considering  that  mounting surfaces created a contextual impact, and  wondered what alternatives might be possible .

I’d experi-mented with fabric, paper and paper over chicken wire, and then I remembered quick dry plaster.

After trying a few masks on myself, I found most leafy material to be a challenge on the curved and uneven surfaces of plaster, while stemy material, like tamarind, worked really well.

I found that using wire to adhere branchy pieces was more reliable than botanical glue and/or a ploymer varnish over leaves (although everything got a top coat of the varnish with a UV filter). 

The first one I made (right) I  covered in tobacco I picked in Weston, MO, and it applied easily right over the plaster.

Then I added a part of a squash leaf,  fennel (and other) seeds, eucalyptus, a plant souvenir from Colorado, fern, and finally, beads.

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Tour a tour of the art studio, hear a talk about the importance of plant preservation in spirituality, economy, history and beauty, and a make-your own art card session from the collection of preserved plants.

When: Jan. 19, 2:00 – 4:30 pm.
Cost: $30
Registration: Pre-registration required (register by clicking here)

The Talk
An introduction to the art of plant preservation and how it’s been used throughout history by spiritualists, physicians, philosophers  and scientists will be provided. A 15-20 minute talk about who has preserved plants throughout history (and why), and what remains preserved today. Some discussion about the impact of plants on our lives will be included. We will also talk about the science behind preserving.A

The Tour
You be able to see a wide variety of preserved plants and finished art pieces in the artist’s studio.

The Make Sesssion
You may bring a favorite quote and/or flat, preserved plant to use and/or some selected pieces from the collection (shown in the image below and on the right) will be available to use. Additionally, prepared cut mat board and all supplies will be provided to make one or two (as time allows) 5″ x 7″ pieces suitable for framing or sending in the mail. All materials will be artist quality and appropriate for plant material.

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