Floral Misfits is an exploration into unloved, unsafe and unusual plants that we have around us. Starting with those plants you would call a weed, moving through to the more unusual and unknown plants and then onto the unsafe, poisonous and dangerous plants we live with.

Researching into superstitions, myths and folklore as well as old meanings behind different flowers. This series pulls from history and stories, bringing the importance of these plants to the forefront. Using rich layers of oil paint through abstraction to show these plants in a new light.

But why Misfits? A misfit is the perfect name for a misunderstood plant, especially those that annoy and frustrate most people… Not naming names…cough, Dandelion. A misfit is something that doesn’t quite fit, seen as odd or misplaced. I see the term misfit as a term of endearment, nothing wrong with been different or unusual. Maybe I see myself as a bit of a misfit?

These Misfits need to be given some attention! They are underrated and undervalued plants that are important to wildlife and biodiversity, as well as having importance through superstitions and beliefs throughout the centuries.

So where did this idea come from?

Those that know me personally know I’m a massive gardening nerd…. I have a huge interest in all things horticulture and love been outdoors in nature. My garden, along with my studio is my happy place. This love of gardening has grown my appreciation for all plants, even the weeds!… Every plant has a beauty as well as a benefit that can add to the garden.

So I thought, why not bring this love of nature into my art? I’ve always wanted to try a floral series, but didn’t want to do the usual pretty bouquets. Like everything with my art, it’s got to be that little bit different and darker…. hence the misfits?..

Reading through some lovely books my friend bought me as a present one year, I found that various plants have hidden meanings and superstitions that span across different cultures and times.

Books pictured, botanical curses and poisons by Fez Inkwright, and Nettles and Petals by Jamie Walton.

The Dandelion for instance has been associated with luck and fortune telling and we all remember making a wish when blowing the seed head as kids. The Victorians used to use flowers as a way of communicating messages. Creating bouquets to warn someone something bad is coming, or to apologise!

I found this whole thing fascinating so had to include this as part of this series. Whether through the colours I use, or the materials, this deeper theme is an important part of this series which I’m keen to explore further.

close up of Dandelion painting- rough textures created with layers of oil paint scraped into and pulled back.

One key area for me is playing with texture and depth in my paintings. Layering has always been a big part of my work. I think this stems from my education in textiles, as I studied loom weaving during my degree. Working with different yarns and fabrics is incredibly tactile and satisfying. I see this same need for tactility in my painting, especially since I started working on wood, which has given me a whole new level of texture that canvas just doesn’t hit. How the paint feels against the wood, the scrape of the palette knife are all incredibly important to me as they impact how I experience the painting process.

So why the darker theme?

As artists we are always thinking about the why?… Why do I like these colours, why do I like these styles etc… As for most people, what we like stems from our childhood. My mum was a huge influence on my tastes. I remember us watching old black and white horror movies together, the classic Frankenstein and Dracula. For Christmas one year I got a series of classic horror sci-fi movies from the 50s and 60s, I think The Blob was one of them!

She introduced me to classic gothic horror novels too, I read Dracula when I was 11! Then moved onto more modern classics such as Interview with the Vampire.

All these memories fill me with happiness and a sense of comfort. Nostalgia is very powerful and I believe this is what influences my tastes as an adult. I have always preferred darker colours over light and bright. Always been drawn to things that are more unusual and different. I much prefer Autumn to Summer, you can’t beat the gorgeous colours that Autumn brings, plus the ability to bring out the knitwear!

Me in the studio with the finished Dandelion painting

So bringing my love of texture, nature and the macabre all together I have created this series “Floral Misfits”. I’m looking forward to seeing what this series brings, I have already created two paintings which I have launched as a Preview to VIP followers only. So if you’re interested make sure you have signed up to my mailing list.

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My New Series Floral misfits

Great you’re an artist get ready to feel exposed!

At the start of a series when all feels possible