Botanical

behind the botanicals 

A residency at Sussex Prairie Garden in 2017 led Amanda to focus on the natural environment. The Prairie garden provided a relaxing and de-stressing tonic to the stresses and strains of life. The garden was and still is compelling, a day at the prairies is enriching and energising, visiting the garden forces a slower pace and Pauline’s homemade cakes round a day’s work off superbly well.

Researching natural plant dyeing processes, making graphite leaf rubbings and taking photographs to record the skeletal shapes of prairie garden leaves became a fascinating habit. Handstitched Eco printed fabrics represent meandering walks around the garden, moody Autumn and Spring weather and the long tall grasses swishing their heads in the breeze and the rain. Vibrant watercolours, ink and screen prints layered with sinuous conte drawings re-create hot summer days, the vibrancy of the prairie blooms and the sunbaked prairie ground.

Looking closely at the botanical illustrations in De Materia Medica, created by the Greek botanist Pedanius Dioscorides proved a powerful inspiration and influences the simplicity in narrative references in these outcomes. Since 2017 Amanda continues to work with the natural environment. Botanical themes recur annually during the summer months when being outdoors in the garden walking on the South Downs is a must.