Artist's Statement
As I walk through the fields of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, I am reminded of the intricate dance between nature and humanity. Through harvesting and foraging on the farm, I engage in a delicate waltz with the misfit plants – those often overlooked or seen as weeds. In this process, I learn about which weeds disrupt the farm's ecosystem and gather these materials, aiding in their removal and reimagining their potential.
British nature writer, broadcaster and journalist Richard Mabey once said, ‘Plants become weeds when they obstruct our plans, or our tidy maps of the world. If you have no such plans or maps, they can appear as innocents without stigma or blame.’ This sentiment captures the essence of my work. By incorporating these misfit materials into my artwork, I hope to challenge perceptions and foster a deeper appreciation for the resilience and beauty of nature’s underestimated treasures.
Working with natural material is a lesson in patience and timing. Sometimes, I must race against time to stitch leaves before they dry and crack. Other times, I wait for vines to thoroughly dry and shrink before re-wetting and weaving them. This laborious process demands mindfulness, care and deliberate slowing down – qualities that speak to the healing power of nature. Each piece is a testament to this intricate balance and an invitation to consider our own rhythms within the natural world.
I hope to spark conversations about the interconnectedness between humans and nature. By creating five pieces of artwork using only foraged and harvested materials from KFBG, I seek to embody a spirit of engagement with the environment. This project emphasises creative and sustainable textile techniques, deepening our connection with the land and embracing its cycles of change.
Through this exhibition, I hope to inspire viewers to see the beauty in what is often dismissed, to take only what is needed, and to give thanks for nature's hidden treasures. Join me in this artistic journey, where every stitch and weave tells a story of respect, gratitude and the healing embrace of nature.
