ANCIENT PLANTS OF THE BIBLE

In 2021 I was contacted by Angie Allen from Burrough-on-the-Hill, in Leicestershire. Angie and Mandy are fundraising  for their beautiful village church, St Mary the Virgin, which is in need of architectural and environmental maintenance and repair. This initial enquiry has developed into a heartfelt collaboration and friendship as we put together our ideas and a plan evolved...

Angie and Mandy had the idea of creating a print of plants from the bible. I thought this sounded a very intriguing proposal and was curious about what these plants might be.  I started to research and was surprised to find how many plants from those ancient times are still around today. For the purpose of creating a strong design, I chose five upright plants which contrasted each other in their forms and represented five different meanings.

From left to right in the above print, we start with Flax which seemed important due to the fact that we are using linen to print on; it also stands for simplicity and practicality. Lily of the Valley, which comes next, is for purity and the sorrow of Mary. Thistle, which stands tall in the middle of the print is for determination against adversity. Next, we have Rose of Sharon, and this beautiful plant stands for love, beauty and healing. Finally on our right, we have Hyssop with its finely packed petals and leaves, and this represents cleansing.

As with all my designs, I start with a drawing. Below are pictures of the developing design, not only onto linen but also paper.

 If you would like to support us in this fundraising project, each purchase of linen made, with the Ancient Plants of the Bible print on, will create a donation to St Mary the Virgin fundraising project. 
If you would like anymore information please don't hesitate to get in touch.