A Floral Dream

Maheen Afshan. F

As soon as the sun rises in Chennai, you can smell the delicious scent of coffee dancing around the streets, Brewing in every single house. But coffee is not the only thing which has people hustling when the sun is shy. In the midst of the city, where people ride bikes, buses, autos and any quick mode of transportation to, is the pride of the city – The Koyambedu Market. Koyambedu Market, where thousands and thousands of flowers are kept fresh with their scents enveloping you as you walk inside the maze of a place not knowing which flower to buy or which way to look might look a haven to the Installation Artist – Rebecca Louise Law.

British artist, Rebecca Louise Law is best described for her work with natural flowers and materials or flora. Every flower she picks depicts a story about humanity and nature, hence taking us to think the depths of the beauties present in nature. Law’s passion about Nature Change and Preservation simply fascinates the naked eye which stops short to embrace every bud, every flower, every insect and every leaf. While one may wonder how the sculptures are made, Rebecca Louise Law securely sews every element in the sculpture together with a copper wire which is preserved and conserved. Her artworks also include paintings, prints, ceramic works which were displayed in her solo exhibition – The Womb. Published by Royal Botanic Gardens, Law released a book featuring her art in 2017 which goes by the name – Life in Death. “I like to capture and cherish small beautiful natural objects to create an artwork that can be observed without the pressure of time. Preserving, treasuring, celebrating and sharing the beauty of the Earth with the world is what drives me.” says the artist with whom Brew had had a chance to talk to and learn more about the concept – Installation Art.

Define the term ‘Installation Artist’.

An artist that uses space as an artistic medium.

When and why did you decide to be an Installation Artist?

At University whilst studying Fine Art, I discovered Installation Art and the freedom of creativity within a space. I wanted my viewer to physically experience my art and I found working in 2D limiting. I embraced the practice of installation art in 2003.

Talk to us about the process you undergo before displaying your work.

Research is key, the space and the patron combined with the continuation of my practice and its possibilities. I often work on the early stages of an installation only to find that it may not be possible. Each artwork considers concept, material value, design, production, timings and budget.

What inspires you to make Installation Art?

I am fascinated in our relationship with nature. As human beings we live in a push and pull environment, constantly trying to manipulate and control nature for our comfort and basic needs. The act of being still in nature, just ‘being’ is often neglected. My artworks are often spaced to ‘be’ in nature, to have a moment to admire all that is provided on Earth.

Where do you get your flowers from?

I source flowers locally wherever I install. Large European installations use flowers sourced in France or Holland. I also pick flowers from my garden in Wales.

Do you select the flowers prior to your project and work accordingly or is it the other way around?

Each flower is selected depending on the installation. More recently the flower collection has been random, collecting from gardens and grounds nearby the installation location.

Do the scent from the flowers overwhelm your audience?

The scent is subtle, once the installation settles you have multiple scents as you journey through a space.

Name an artwork you’re proud of.

‘The Womb’ 2019, is an installation made from over 1 million preserved flowers that I have collected over the past 10 years. I wanted to create a cocoon like space that explored the beauty of the Womb.

What was the best compliment you’ve received for your work?

A donor wanted to buy ‘The Womb’ for a Museum’s permanent collection, they couldn’t house it due to scale, but it was a huge compliment for an artwork that is often seen as ephemeral.

Talk to us about your book - ‘Life in Death’

It was published alongside an exhibition at Kew, London. It was a study into the value of flowers as an ephemeral art material and a retrospective of the journey of my art practice.

Have you been to India?

Yes, I’ve travelled around Southern India, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. From Chennai, down the coast, to ancient temples, spice and tea plantations, where the 3 oceans meet, beaches, tiger jungles, elephant sanctuary’s, backwater boats, delicious food and Ayurveda treatments. My husband and I fell in love with India and its amazingly generous people.

I used artificial flowers in my early years, but they held an emptiness and less fragility.

Do you plan on setting up an exhibition in India?

I have had discussions in the past but nothing has happened yet, I would love to work with traditional Indian garlands. I watched them being made in temples, so beautiful and a divine scent.

How would you appeal the Indian audience to explore Installation Art and perhaps be an artist of the same?

Working with nature within art is already an ancient practice within traditional India, bringing this art form into the gallery would be incredible for the rest of the world to see.

If you would like to explore an other form of art, what would it be?

I have started painting again and I’m learning how to use clay and glass. I would love to explore weaving, I’ve managed to create one small piece but I’m working on a larger artwork.

Where to next?

I’m exhibiting in Parma this year and the UK. It’s nice to have an exhibition more close to home. My artworks will be looking more closely at the British seasons and documenting the natural changes.