I’m often asked where I get all the botanicals I use in my art. Some people have told me they envision me working in some sort of enchanted-forest-type environment, or a wizard’s greenhouse with all manner of growing things waiting their turn to be added to the artist’s potion. Sorry, my collection of plants is not that glamorous nor fantastical. (Although honestly, I wouldn’t mind if it were!)

My dried flora come from everywhere and anywhere: a friend’s yard, a thoughtfully gestured bouquet, leftover florist bits, something found along the side of an empty road, my own garden. I do like to think I’m assembling an “art apothecary” of sorts - each item is carefully dried, pressed, stored in its own meticulously labeled container and placed neatly on my shelves. To date I’ve amassed about 100 different types of vegetation and natural fibers, ranging from larkspur to coconut husks, My work space is small so I’ve become more focused on organization. This makes it very easy to go where inspiration leads and choose which botanical to add to which piece of art.

Perhaps one day I will grow out of my small space and build that wizarding greenhouse after all.