A volume of transitory works (digital photographs) that was conceived in 2023 but not realised until the beginning of 2026, At our very Heart manifests as collections of altered leaves that nods to the notion of diversity.
Initially inspired by the Sycamore Gap tree, a British Isles non native that when cut down, became the focus of a national outcry. The question of how a non native tree can come to represent and become a symbol of Britishness and create an outpouring of adoration yet quite the opposite is witnessed through British media when it comes to non native persons who seek refuge and safety in the same geographic isles.
At our very heart removes circular sections of leaves and interchanges them with other species and varieties, as well as natives and non natives and in doing so makes references to cross breeding and hybridisation of plants, and the mixing of genetics that creates a modern plant diversity. that is orchestrated through human intervention
With diversity comes resilience and survival qualities that rise to the surface. Life will find a way.
Portiphillio 