the bloem project
bloem = flower
I have painted botanical subjects since 2019, often as commission requests. However, the study of botany and flora has moved from just capturing a client's favourite flower, bridal bouquet or floral arrangement, to a deep investigation of floriography, and the historical use of plants and flowers as emblems of place, meaning and cultural identity, and the broader relationship between botany and anthropology.
With a focus on traditional techniques and homage to my Dutch ancestry, including my lineage of nurserymen and botanical workers (boomkweker), I use the emblematic and symbolic language of flowers and plants to capture the origins, characteristics and stories of individuals and people groups.
My practice involves realistic interpretations of botanical forms whilst deliberately "staging" the composition to harness the linguistic and symbolic meanings of flora. I might "graft" together species or place plants in unrealistic settings to allow the story-telling nature of floriography to create a botanical portrait or a visual story. Including the human form in such compositions allows me to explore the ever-present relationship between plants and people.
With a focus on traditional techniques and homage to my Dutch ancestry, including my lineage of nurserymen and botanical workers (boomkweker), I use the emblematic and symbolic language of flowers and plants to capture the origins, characteristics and stories of individuals and people groups.
My practice involves realistic interpretations of botanical forms whilst deliberately "staging" the composition to harness the linguistic and symbolic meanings of flora. I might "graft" together species or place plants in unrealistic settings to allow the story-telling nature of floriography to create a botanical portrait or a visual story. Including the human form in such compositions allows me to explore the ever-present relationship between plants and people.
Botanical works
|
Abundant Blooms private commission 2023 oil on canvas 1.50m x .40m |
|
Abundant Blooms - detail private commission 2023 oil on canvas 1.50m x .40m |
|
|
Magnolia and Persimmon winner Nepean Arts and Festival 2023 2022 oil on canvas 40cm x 40cm |
|
Magnolia and Persimmon - detail winner Nepean Arts and Festival 2023 2022 oil on canvas 40cm x 40cm |
|
|
Nasturtiums in blue private collection 2022 oil on canvas 30cm x 30cm |
|
Billy on the mountain Bluethumb art prize finalist 2022 2021 oil on canvas 40cm x 40cm |
|
|
Magnolias in the sky private collection 2022 oil on canvas 30cm x 30cm |
