BOTANICAL GRAND TOUR
This year I have embarked on a series of collaborative exchanges which has seen me driving all over the UK four collaborative stays with cabins, bothys and cottages as part of my creative mission. This venture is inspired by my art history background and particular interest in the 18th century art and architecture of Britain. I specialised in this era during my undergraduate studies and it is safe to say my love affair with plaster casts was born back then. Back in the 18th century small plaster intaglios were collected by the young aristocratic men on their European travels as keepsakes documenting their erudite travels. The intaglios were often mounted into cases or books and proudly presented to guests or peers as signals of their wealth and classical education. Below are examples of some of the 18th century collections of intaglios.
My aim is to undertake my own Grand Tour, and also take some female ownership of a tradition which was almost entirely undertaken by men back in the day. I set up my temporary outdoor studio in each new location and forage for local native flora and fauna to make a set of intaglios. These will create a visual record of the landscape of Britain by capturing a moment in the seasonal life of the landscape around the cabins I am staying in around the country. n a time of ever changing patterns in nature and weather it seems an important time to document the seasonal foliage and preserve a memory of the indigenous flowers and foliage in a time of increasing threat to our environment.
Follow here for details about my casting adventures! I have loved travelling the country experiencing new landscapes, swapping artwork made onsite using flowers from the surrounding area, for a few nights in some truly beautiful cabins and huts.
I am always keen to hear from cabins or cottage owners who would be keen to collaborate with me and become part in my Botanical Grand Tour itinerary.