Dahlias... September
rum | childrens' cancer month | exhibition
Welcome to Behind the Brush… I’m so happy you’re here. I usher in each month with a roundup of seasonal inspiration, current studio projects, notes on the botanical art world, and more. Whether you’re an artist or a botanical art fan I hope you find some inspiration in these letters. Keep an eye out mid-month for my botanical artist spotlight, too!
in the studio: I am working painting a series of dahlias that I have grown in my garden again this summer, although many of them have been lost to the voracious slugs and only a few have survived. I’ve tried it all—beer traps, crushed eggshells, pellets… any suggestions? These blooms are my favourite sitters and the beauty I’ve painted above is the “Isadora”.
“Mexico’s national flower, the dahlia hails from the mountainous regions of Central America. But the brilliantly coloured blooms we covet today have come a long way from these wild species. In 1570, the scientist Francisco Hernández was sent to Mexico by King Phillip II of Spain to research the region’s natural history. Dahlias may have featured in his descriptions of over 3,000 plants then unknown to Europeans. However, it wasn’t until the late 18th century, when botany was developing as a science, that dahlias were first cultivated in Europe.” Read more about the history of dahlias from the National Trust website here.
rum: This spirit is definitely enjoying a moment right now! I was delighted to see Shochu rum coming to market last month with the label I painted adorning the front, inspired by traditional Japanese flower painting. It consists of a rare Japanese mountain tea with plum and cedar notes. “It is the second in a series of enigmatic releases that is rooted in the endless search for new experiences from around the globe combining, not only, beautiful tasting tastes and flavours but also capturing the very essence of their geographical locations. This rare spirit is born of an approach to fermentation unique to the island of Japan and is a reflection of the history and culture of Koji making which is the essence of Japanese flavour creation,” according to its maker. Tempted? You can grab your bottle here.
After five years of working together on email, I managed to meet Fin, the Master Distiller this summer, who masterminded it’s conception from his distillery on the Isle of Colonsay in the Inner Scottish Hebrides. We coincided for about five minutes in the ferry queue: he was heading home to his wife Eileen and I was headed to the Isle of Mull on a family holiday. He was kind enough to give me my own bottle, one of just 66 numbered bottles. What a legend!
auction: After my family’s personal experience with cancer, I have become passionate about supporting childrens’ cancer fundraising events. September is Children’s Cancer Awareness Month and Children with Cancer UK will be organizing many events in support of this. I’ve offered a bespoke botanical painting as part of the 165 exciting lots that were on offer for their Big Auction. I can’t wait to hear how much they raise! Currently the UK Government give 1% of research funds into pediatric cancers which I think you will agree is woefully lacking. You can make donations to support vital research here.
exhibition: This is the last exhibition of the year that I am part of, before the business of Christmas begins and I am happily swamped in gift commissions. (My ledger is open now to receive requests for those “difficult to buy for” people in your life!) The wonderful Gallery at Green & Stone in London is hosting this exhibition, and will showcase the work of Amicus Botanicus.
In 2006 eleven enthusiastic graduates of the Botanical Painting Diploma Course at the English Gardening School at the Chelsea Physic Garden created Amicus Botanicus in order to mount an exhibition following their course. Under the development of Helen Allen it then became The Botanical Painting and Illustration Diploma Course run by The Chelsea School of Botanical Art, which was the school I attended. In 2018 the artists of Amicus Botanicus were delighted to be invited to join forces with The Chelsea School of Botanical Art and form an alumni society. To celebrate the Humphry Repton-inspired gardens at Woburn Abbey in the height of summer and working closely with Woburn Abbey's Estate Garden Manager, this group of botanical artists took inspiration from the colourful selection of plants within the living collection found in Woburn Abbey’s splendid gardens in Bedfordshire and are delighted to offer this show, “Floral Fireworks.”
menu: I am delighted to see my illustrations on all the seasonal and ever delicious menus at London’s Trinity Restaurant for a second year running. This Michelin star restaurant boasts a top ten status amongst London restaurants listed by Hardens and Zagat and has been included in the top 100 restaurants in the UK. Chef Patron Adam Byatt’s enthusiasm for seasonality and the great outdoors fits seamlessly with the work of a botanical illustrator and it’s an ongoing collaboration I relish.
tea towel: Looking for an original hostess gift or maybe a treat for your kitchen? Grab one of my 100% cotton pineapple teatowels (£16) or they are stocked at The Chelsea Physic Garden in London if you are visiting.
Love those dahlias! x