About
My approach draws on historical botanical illustration traditions, as well the photographic work of Karl Blossfeldt who isolates the subject (specimen) from its environment - placing it onto a neutral background. Elevating the subject and giving weight to it, we are forced to look more closely than we might usually - to scrutinise and pick out details that may otherwise be missed. The spaces in-between become as important as the subject itself, and this breathing space helps us to better understand the subject’s form; “the curlicues of the plant leaves (…) break up the image, giving weight to the negative space, activating it”
Colour is integral to my practise and is utilised to give a modern twist to the works. “We know that we are looking at a botanical photograph but the colour (…) enlivens it, it walks the line between the familiar and the alien.” An electrified palette, applied to natural forms, asks the viewer to look again with fresh eyes. The work is heavily influenced by my rural upbringing (in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire), and the sense of wonder that the plant world evokes in me. I aim to imbue my subjects (both in and outside of the studio) with a little magic, in the hope that the viewer will reconsider their approach to nature in their daily lives. I currently live and work in East London.
In Print
‘Flower: Exploring the World in Bloom’ Phaidon 2020
‘From Gardens Where We Feel Secure’ By Susanna Grant & Rowan Spray Rough Trade Books 2021
‘Rakes Progress’ Volume 6 & 7
Exhibitions
Solo
In My Nature June 2018 Kennington Camera Club, London
Group
No Ordinary Love, Febuary - March 2023, The Old Bank Vault at 100 Shoreditch, London
FIX Photo Festival, Still Life October - December 2020, Online Exhibition
Salon 19 December 2019 - January 2020 Photofusion, London
The Print Swap / Feature Shoot May 2019 Studio Galerie B&B, Paris
Salon 18 December 2018 - January 2019 Photofusion, London
Camera Club exhibition March 2018 Lumen Gallery, London
Salon 17 December 2017 - January 2018 Photofusion, London
The Print Swap / Feature Shoot December 2017 ROOT Studios, New York
Association of Photographers Open Award October 2015 Old Truman Brewery, London
Association of Photographers Open Award November 2014 Business Design Centre, London
Parallel Lines June 2014 Area44, London
Baylis Artists Beltane Show May 2013 The Arch Gallery, London
Baylis Artists Beltane Show May 2011 Shoreditch Town Hall, London
UAL ‘Drawing’ Exhibition September 2009 Wimbledon College of Arts, London
UAL Photography show (Foundation) June 2009 Camberwell College of Arts, London