Since 2003 Law has been collecting every flower and every remnant of dust left by flowers. She now has a collection of over 1 million preserved flowers exhibiting in the USA, 250,000 flowers exhibiting in Asia and Australia and a collection of over 500,000 flowers exhibiting in Europe. This body of material keeps growing and with each new exhibition an extra layer of flowers is added to the existing material. Any dust left after installing an artwork is swept up, archived and encased in glass frames.
Recent installations have utilised the artists vast collection of materials, amassed over the last 20 years since the start of this pioneering practice, alongside locally sourced materials. The quantity of material has allowed Law to sculpt monumental artworks that can approach extremely sensitive subjects related to nature.
Using a material that is commonly ephemeral and purely decorative has brought many complexities to Law’s ongoing art practice. She remains loyal to the flower, treasuring every petal beyond its material expectation. The subject of waste and commercialism weighs heavily on Law’s heart and she is a pioneer in adjusting the way we use nature.
Today Law uses flowers grown in a small family run small holding in Normandy as well as growing her own flowers in Snowdonia. If she creates an installation away from home, the institution provides locally grown flowers either from its own grounds or local gardens.
‘A dried flower holds time. A fresh flower holds a moment, and both are equally special. The beauty of a dried flower is being able to revisit it and observe it as a preserved object of the earth, a perfect form of nature that holds onto its fragility.’
ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
Recognising her craft as an opportunity to bring people together, Law has invited various communities to participate in the creation of her installations.
‘Bringing all walks of life together to sit down and make something with their hands is rewarding for everyone. I believe that institutions can make art engagement proactive and less intimidating through community-led art.’
Community-based exhibitions include: Calyx, Awakening, The Journey, Seasons, Florilegium, The Womb, Captured, Banquet, Community, La Jardin Préservé, and Pride.
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