The Society of Botanical Artists
a historic society
The Society was founded by a group of Botanical artists over 30 years ago, and now comprises of over 120 members.
As a Society we hold one large exhibition every yea, usually in Central London. The current venue being the prestigious Mall Galleries. I was also fortunate enough to have my work in a society organised exhibition held at the Palmengarten in Frankfurt, Germany. Members of the Society come from all over the world, ou can learn more about the memebrs of the Society on their about page here.
inspired to apply
Applying to be a member of the SBA was something I had never even considered until I had a conversation with my neighbour of the time, Alice Harman SBA Fellow. Being a jeweller I assumed that an artist’s society was no place for me.
My plant inspired work has always been botanically inspired, and often very correct as quite often I use the botanical specimen to create the imprint on my silver. I use a technique called roller texturing which I learnt at college, as every jewellery student does. Once I left college this technique became the main focus for my work, I usually concentrated on leaves and flowers. My inspiration for my collection in 2019 was seaside plants, so I included Sea Ragwort, Silver Campion and a horned poppy in my designs.
In 2020 my collection was inspired by native teas and weeds, inspiration came from garden ivy, a gingko tree and oak tree.
Selection
The selection process was extremely involved. I offered my work for selection for the Open Exhibition and a few years down the line, my work having been selected every year, I was very pleased to be offered Associate and then Full membership. Over time I have seen the Societies’ exhibitions as a focus to create slightly more challenging and sculptural pieces. These have been very well received both by the Society, and my customers.
I was very honoured to be asked to design and make the leaving present for Sandra Wall-Armitage, our President, earlier this year. It was presented to her at the Society’s AGM.
I am constantly looking for new inspiration in my surroundings, a walk in the countryside, around the garden or at the beach is always an excuse for a photo shoot to seek out the next piece of inspiration.
