Lythrum

For one of my practice based researches I chose a native Dutch plant with an aesthetic flowering period. At the same time, I delved deeper into the scientific study “Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation” by Bratman et al. To better understand this research, I contacted Valentine Seymour, who at the time was a researcher at the University of Surrey. Her work focused on the relationship between the natural environment and human health. In our conversations, she helped me interpret the study more clearly and shared several additional works with similar perspectives.

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Alongside this theoretical exploration, I carried out my own practice-based research. For the first time, I studied a plant on multiple levels: I created drawings, collages, and sketches, and examined the plant under the microscope. From these images, I designed structures that, together with the rest of the process, resulted in a sculpture (Lythrum Salicaria), that I also sold at my graduation exhibition.

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In the months after, I continued developing this process. I created multiple variations, all inspired by that first sculpture. This way of working in series, where each new piece evolves from earlier forms, has since become a recognizable element of my proces.