My work explores plants that will survive and outlast human beings, and my choice of these is the very hardy plant, the buddleia about which I did extensive research. I would like my work to encourage the viewer to think of the impact we as a species are having on the earth and whether we will be able to do enough to protect it for future generations. Research has shown that natural disasters have been increasing since the ‘60s as a direct consequence of human behaviour for which we are all paying the price.
To start the work, I looked at different configurations of buildings across various cities until I found one that felt right for me, I then used acrylic paint to build up layers on the canvas. My inspiration for the level of destruction I wanted to portray I found in abandoned buildings, specifically those in war torn countries.
I am fascinated by the notion of using a piece of art to tell a story so for this painting, the backstory I made for this is centred on a period 50 – 75 years after most of the population disappeared and the tree on top of the building was a small plant left in someone’s office, yet still thriving.
I am interested in exploring my theme further using 3D processes, either by making this city as a sculpture or an installation that people could walk through and see the destruction from all angles. I would have the path through buildings made from a slightly fragile material so as people walk across it, it will break to emphasize my point.
Roseanne Martha Bowes