Recollections From Nature is an illustrated anthology that draws parallels between the lives of plants and human experiences. The stories encourage readers to empathise with nature and combat "plant blindness"— the tendency to misunderstand and undervalue plants. Despite the importance of flora to the ecosystem, they are often overlooked. With the escalating challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, this is especially alarming
My project stems from my research into Western approaches to botanical illustration. While this practice is admirable for its artistic skill and contribution to Western science, it has a colonial history of separating plants from their Indigenous land, ecosystems, and human culture. Such a practice has led to the idea of plants as inanimate and mechanical commodities and resources for humans to control, devoid of any agency. By giving plants a voice, this anthology highlights how the needs, desires, and struggles of plants mirror our own.
Unhealthy Friends
'Unhealthy Friends' is a story about symbiosis — the intimate relationship between different species living together. However, like friendships, not all are healthy and mutually beneficial. The friendship between the Karri eucalyptus tree and the Australian honey fungus is parasitic. The fungus solely relies on the tree for its physical and emotional well-being, at the expense of the tree’s health.
I Want To Be Something
‘I Want To Be Something’ is about the desire to be something more and the fear of being nothing. Set in the aftermath of a bushfire, the story follows a tree and its growing hopes, dreams, and fears amongst the charred wood and smoky air.
Watching Over You
'Watching Over You' explores how we remember a loved one who has passed away. After hearing Uncle Greg’s Snake story, I reminisced about my grandfather and his orchids. When he was alive, his plants thrived. When he was gone, they withered away. Now they are intertwined with my memory of him. 
UTS Design Honours Showcase
