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From early childhood I was fascinated by the natural world and at the age of twelve I was given a beautiful old brass microscope on which I explored samples collected in the garden and on country rambles. Peering down the tube revealed a hidden world of complex patterns and exotic forms that sparked my imagination and combined with images and diagrams I collected from science reference books created the foundations for entry into an ever expanding universe where art and science overlap. The evolving complexities of contemporary scientific practice during the twentieth century created a barrier to collaboration between artists and scientists, but with the emergence of new digital technologies and a growing expectation for scientists to communicate to a wider audience, opportunities have arisen which reverse this trend. It is within this climate that for the past eight years I have been fortunate to collaborate with botanical scientists at Kew to explore the creative potential of the plant world at a microscopic level. Collaboration and context have become a major part of contemporary art practice, the relationship between the art object, its evolution and its audience playing a more prominent role. So when I was invited by the Botanic Garden to consider working together on a project I welcomed the opportunity enthusiastically. The process of creating a new work is enriching on many levels, to spend time researching in the Gardens, getting to know the plants more intimately is a rewarding experience in itself and one that I try to feed back into the work. The enthusiasm of staff for the important role the Gardens play, and also their support for my ideas, all served to enrich my experience and contributed to the overall strength of the final result. My aim was always to create something that reflected my own fascination in revealing a hidden world in a way that was sympathetic to, as well as enriching of the experience of visiting the Gardens. From the positive responses at the opening I feel reassured in having achieved my aims. |  | ||||||||
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