Fragmented Forest Series

This series of work is representing the fragile state our forests and endangered temperate rainforests in Britain. Temperate Rainforests in particular once covered up to 20% of the country. Now they are only found in small fragmented pockets. My local forests and temperate rainforests on Dartmoor have been my source of inspiration where I have spent hours photographing and exploring these fragile, beautiful and truly unique little habitats looking at the tiny ecosystems within the forest. The organic shapes in my pieces resemble pocket pools, rocks or lichen (like lung wort, often known as the lungs of the forest). The works' colours, textures and forms are all reminiscent of the forest where foraged pigments, plants and materials are found near the site, with care taken to only take dead or fallen materials in very small numbers leaving the habitat undisturbed.

me for fragmented forests series_edited_

The 3D mixed-media pieces are built on different levels where the tactile quality of oak gall inks delicate handmade paper, and mono prints of plants are precariously placed into fragile organic forms.

Part of the inspiration of this series came from Guy Shrubsole's book 'The Lost Rainforests of Britain', where he talks about some of the invasive species taking over the temperate rainforests and starving them of life. One plant in particular is the Rhododendron. Its acid leaves kill the delicate mosses, ferns and lichens when they fall to the ground. I have been on a journey to make paper from Rhododendron leaves which give a beautiful green tone to the work, whilst bringing the attention to the forefront of peoples minds of the impact that this invasive species is having on our fragile forests.

These delicate works with paper casted oak leaves, lichen, bark and ferns are an imprint and trace of place, where the past and present interplay; allowing us room to contemplate the future fragile state of this rare and important habitat.

Crimson Veil of the Forest
63x68cm

£950

3D mixed-media on paper made with Rhododendron leaves, aak gall inks and mono print with raw foraged pigments

lambemma-Shadows of the Ancient Oakland-

Shadow of the Ancient Oakland
63x95cm

£2,500

3D mixed-media on paper made with Rhododendron leaves, oak gall inks and mono print with raw foraged pigments