I’m really pleased to be a contributing illustrator to Amelia Gregory’s special edition of Amelia’s Magazine, which celebrates its 10th anniversary with the intruiging theme, That Which We Do Not Understand. A gold-foiled limited edition artists book will be produced, featuring the work of over 60 artists and writers, as well as art prints.
When the open brief came out, I came up with a couple of thoughts - the traditions of wishing, and of our age-old connection to plants and herbs.
My mum has a cupboard of spices and herbs, and as a child I was always fascinated by it. Coloured bottles, leaf bunches and magazine clippings, it is a treasure trove of natural remedies as well as for seasoning the cooking pot. She’d often let me in on a theory, remedy or property of a certain plant. Ginger for the stomach, St John's Wort for worry, evening primrose for women’s health. Having had diabetes for well over 20 years, I’ve read that cinnamon that is said to help even out blood sugars, Poring over the family copy of Culpepper’s Herbal (written centuries ago), I found cures for tooth ache, biting of serpents, blisters, almonds in the ears, wind….the index opened up a visual treasure trove of plants and equipment waiting to be drawn.
I began by drawing out, in crayon and brush pen a variety of plants and also equipment - like spoons, vials, pestle and mortar which are used within herbalism. Images of hearts, clouds and hands followed - to weave in a touch of magic and mystery. I also included the book - the root of the knowledge that is ever growing and adapting through generations. I love to create texture in my work and enjoyed building up the layers of colour to make the objects and plants stand out.
The separate elements were then scanned into Photoshop to move around and position. I created a unit of pattern and then repeated this in blocks, going back, filling spaces, shifting things around. What was previously just a collection of single images had more impact and movement when repeated. I have been working with illustrative patterns in my spare time for some time - I enjoy creating a rhythm and movement as motifs, sketches and narratives repeat and shift throughout. I only used about half of the objects drawn - wanting to use the images that visually connected. The old scales, kilner jars, dandelions and bunches of sage will be saved for another project!
It was exciting to bear the gold layer in mind. I chose the clouds, certain flowers and the book pages to make gold - I’m looking forward to seeing how it transforms the pattern. I wanted this pattern to evoke the power of plants, even within the modern age. It was a really interesting subject to research and create, and I already have a few ideas as to how I’d like to work with the subject further when I have a bit more time.
Amelia has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the project, and pledgers can get many wonderful things, such as postcards, copies of the book and back issues of the magazine. Click here to find out more and be part of the production of a spellbinding collection of artwork.
