A natural, imperfect garden
When I first discovered my love of gardening (around 2016/17), I could not have imagined what an absorbing infatuation it would become.
Relinquishing the notion of control has become a fundamental theme in my gardening. This approach challenges conventional views of both, art and gardening. It blends the ideas behind an Eastern aesthetic, wabi sabi, with gardening the natural way.
As a gardener I know that this method makes for a more beautiful garden that is as valuable for nature as it is for the gardener’s mental wellbeing. As an artist I am interested in whether giving up (a degree of) control can be at the centre of an artist's work.
Gardening in our age of climate breakdown is about finding the balance between human activity (intervention) and the planet’s ecosystems. Our duty, and our joy, is to support and encourage nature. In photographing my efforts I can demonstrate what can be done quite easily and document what will inevitably be lost if we do not make changes to the way we live and consume. Those of us, who are privileged to own a garden, have a duty to ensure that it is part of the ecosystem.
The photographs are not only a record for myself but also my way of encouraging viewers to take an interest in gardening and to make their gardens less neat and more natural. We know now that the ‘network’ of gardens is hugely beneficial for the wildlife and nature as a whole. We also know that gardens can help to re-establish some of the equilibrium that we have lost.
All photographs in this collection were made in our own garden.
Prints
Many of the photographs in this portfolio are available to buy as prints in a limited edition of six. The prints are produced in-house by myself. They are numbered and signed and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. For this edition I have chosen Kozo Thick White paper from the Japanese paper mill Awagami.
To buy prints, click on an image to enlarge it. On a desktop or laptop hover the pointer over the image to display the description and the buy this limited edition print link. On mobile devices, press the red dot on grey background in the bottom right corner of your screen.
You can also go straight to Saatchi Art, who handle the sale of my prints.
