Artist Statement

I’ve always wanted to exhibit at the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) In Canberra. Even though I am not a botanist I think botany is in my blood. My father who was research scientist down the road at Plant industry in CSIRO took us as children to the newly opened Canberra Botanic Gardens as it was then. I recall the red gravel paths and the plants sending off new shoots as the gardens continued to grow and flourish, inspiring visitors and gardeners with the diversity and beauty of native plants grown here. Thanks to the publication “Growing Native Plants” released by the Canberra Botanic Gardens, native Australian plants started to appear in the home gardens of Canberra. I still have some of these pre-internet era publications which have also helped with garden plans of my own. After an early introduction many wonderful visits followed. I have watched the gardens evolve, old plantings mature, die and be replaced, its roles expand to research and education and recreation. I have come to see the gardens as a place of appreciation for our unique flora and a place where we can feel connected to nature and the environment.

With this exhibition I wanted to highlight the visitor experience rather than provide a realistic description of the plants I have chosen to represent. In reality the concept is bigger than I have time or space for. The gardens so large in variety and size that I have focused more on the plants and the odd avian visitors we see as we enter into the gardens along the concourse.

My work shows a passion for nature and the environment and an underlying interest in the botanical “web” that unites and feeds us in so many ways. My work speaks in layers which includes hints at science, tradition and art, building up richly textural surfaces to draw you into the picture.

Thank you for your support and positive feedback from this exhibition. Jo