Drawings
Drawing from observation has always been a key part of my work. I’m consistently drawn to techniques and materials that allow a drawing to contain an element of construction and crafted dimensionality. For example needle etched gold leaf on pinned paper, vellum or board or goldpoint on gessoed panels.
The Illuminated Herbarium series combines drawing, plants and illuminated manuscripts. It consists of a growing library of cut, gilded, etched and pinned paper flowers that surround my Sussex studio. Informed by daily observation of the natural world, a deep love of the countryside and a predisposition to collect.
Illuminated Herbarium
Needle etched gold leaf on cut, pinned paper. Framed.
Height 22cm (8 1/2”)
Width 15cm (6”)
Depth 3.2cm (1”)
Echoing illuminated manuscripts and gilded margins - these wild flowers are often found on roadside verges, ditches or edging the lanes. The illuminated Herbarium captures each one in needle etched 23.5 ct gold leaf before being pinned into position as one would set a butterfly or pressed flower specimen.
From left to right. Vetch, Buttercup, Ground Ivy.
Illuminated Herbarium
Needle etched gold leaf on cut, pinned paper. Framed.
Height 22cm (8 1/2”)
Width 15cm (6”)
Depth 3.2cm (1”)
Echoing illuminated manuscripts and gilded margins - these wild flowers are often found on roadside verges, ditches or edging the lanes. The illuminated Herbarium captures each one in needle etched 23.5 ct gold leaf before being pinned into position as one would set a butterfly or pressed flower specimen.
From left to right. Vetch, Buttercup, Ground Ivy.
Illuminated Herbarium, black 2023
A series of twelve native British flowers. Needle etched gold leaf on cut, pinned paper. Framed on black.
Height 52cm (20")
Width 34cm (13")
Depth 3.2cm (1")
Echoing illuminated manuscripts and gilded margins - these wild flowers are often found on roadside verges, ditches or edging the lanes. The illuminated Herbarium captures each one in needle etched 23.5 ct gold leaf before being pinned into position as one would set a butterfly or pressed flower specimen. From left to right,
Top row, Honesty, Vetch, Shepherds Purse
Second row, Buttercup, Groundsel, Clover, Campion
Third row, Knapweed, Ragged Robin, Chicory, Forget-me-not.