The Magical Garden

Artist-in-Residence Project

Photography, sculpture, and film

Botanical Residency Hugo Burge Foundation

Marchmount Estate, Lower Powerhouse, Duns, Scottish Border, TD10 6YQ

July - August, 2024

During my residency, I developed a site-specific body of work titled "The Magical Garden." This collection includes self-portrait and portrait photography presented as diptychs, sculptures, and an upcoming film, all inspired by the enchanting Walled Gardens and surrounding landscape of Marchmount Estate. The primary focus of this project is to explore the deep connections between women and natural spaces.

Motivated by the beauty of the Walled Garden and Glass Houses, I delve into women’s relationships with nature, highlighting our intrinsic connection to the environment. This theme has become central to my creative endeavors, illustrating the symbiotic relationship we share with nature and how our lives are intertwined with the natural world.

Within this body of work, I navigate the dynamic relationship between two main characters: a mother and her daughter. Through wearable sculptures made from natural materials sourced from the Walled Garden, these characters blend into their surroundings, symbolizing unity with nature.

Alternatively, this narrative can also reflect a single individual at different life stages—juxtaposing the innocent experiences of childhood with the wisdom gained in adulthood. The mother represents nurturing, stability, and a deep connection to the earth, while the daughter embodies curiosity and the eagerness to explore.

As they journey through the landscape, their relationship deepens, revealing how their paths are intertwined through shared experiences in nature. The environment influences their emotions and interactions, acting as a mirror reflecting their growth and the complexities of their bond.

Ultimately, this work evokes wonder and reverence for the natural world while encouraging reflection on how human lives are interwoven with the larger ecosystem. By exploring the dynamics between mother and daughter, or between childhood and adulthood, I aim to convey that we, like nature, are constantly evolving—shaped by our experiences and relationships.

This interplay invites viewers to engage with the narrative on multiple levels, encouraging reflection on their own experiences of belonging and the profound influence of the environment on our identities. My work serves as a meditation on the interconnectedness of life, prompting contemplation of our roles within the larger tapestry of existence and our bond with the natural world.

The materials used in this project have been sourced from the Walled Garden, with generous contributions from the garden team, as well as gathered from the surrounding landscape of Marchmount Estate. This approach not only emphasizes sustainability by recycling existing resources but also allows the artwork to resonate with the local environment, creating a deeper connection between the materials and the natural setting in which they were found.