My Muse on the Windowsill: A Botanical Journey Through Everyday Objects
Ordinary Magic
The vibrant world of botanical art often finds its inspiration in unexpected places. For me, a significant chunk of that inspiration comes from an everyday muse: my kitchen windowsill. This seemingly ordinary space, filled with an eclectic collection of plants and objects, has become a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told in my paintings. Let me take you on a tour and introduce you to my miniature indoor garden's residents, each holding a special place in my heart and a unique spark for my BRIGHT artistic creations.
Unexpected Treasures: The Story Behind My Quirky Planters
It all starts with a curious Royal Winton Pottery planter, a somewhat rustled up, regifted wedding present from my parents' elderly neighbours. It's not exactly my style, but it holds a unique charm due to the heartwarming gesture behind it. The jade plant currently calling it home is not just any jade plant – it's a homage to my grandmother, who always had one thriving on her landing windowsill.
From Supermarket Surprise to Floral Hero
Next door resides two leggy chrysanthemums, champions of unexpected resilience. These started their journey as supermarket flowers, brought home by Little Bird with a sweet, childlike wonder at their unusual blue colour (ahem, questionable dye practices aside!). One bloom defied the odds, surviving long enough for me to try and nurture it. Not only did it root, but it surprised us all by flowering again in February, a testament to its tenacity. This little triumph became a family project, with sketches, designs, and even a spin-off plant, all thanks to this supermarket gift.
A Dried Bouquet and a Sister's Love
Nestled amongst the greenery is a dried hydrangea, capturing and holding a moving moment. It's a reminder of a congratulatory bouquet my sister, who lives in New Zealand, arranged for my mother and I on the opening night of our shared exhibition, Family Ties. This simple act of love across the miles is a constant inspiration, reminding me of the power of connection and the beauty that can be captured in a single flower.
Beyond the Kitchen: Inspiration from Ceramics and Museums
The windowsill isn't just about plants! A fruit bowl I made at a friend's ceramics studio sits proudly below, its design inspired by a very special visit to the Asahi Shimbun Gallery at the British Museum. The radiating patterns echo the carved limestone railing design of ancient South Asian artefacts I saw there, a reminder of why stepping outside the day-to-day is so important and how new experiences can inform artistic creation.
From Cake Topping to Beloved Houseplant
A little blue starfish cactus pot with a quirky backstory brings a smile daily. It was the leftover decoration from a cactus-themed birthday cake, happily taking refuge among Little Bird's painted stones and Hama bead designs. These seemingly unrelated objects come together as a playful collection of cute memories, full of personality and colour.
Pretty Packaging and Practical Solutions
A beautiful handmade vase created by a local ceramicist currently holds a bottle of washing-up liquid. Yes, you read that right! While the artist might be horrified, it's a practical solution that allows me to enjoy both the vase and the convenience of its contents. This playful repurposing reminds me that beauty can be found in the ordinary, a core theme I explore in many of my works.
A Spectrum of Textures
The windowsill continues to evolve. A recent addition is a ceramic utensil holder crafted by another friend. Its rustic hues and satisfying texture add a playful touch to the space. Alongside this newcomer stands a handmade pot with its supermarket Falling Katy companion, a source of inspiration for my entire Kalanchoes collection. Nestled amongst them is a particular succulent, a gift from a friend I had the pleasure of exhibiting with during my first Bucks Art Weeks in The Garage. Finding the proper care for this little fighter took some trial and error, but it's thriving now; I like the reassuring connection of resilience in both plants and artistic pursuits.
A Year of Success and the Inspiration of Fellow Artists
Rounding out the collection is a plant with distinctive disc-shaped leaves, known in certain circles as the "illustrator plant." Gifted by a friend to mark the special occasion, it's notorious for being difficult to keep alive. But one year later, mine is still flourishing. It could be that it thrives on the creative energy radiating from the windowsill, or it's a sign that I'm finally getting the hang of this plant parenthood thing! Regardless, this little green friend is a constant reminder of the supportive community of artists I belong to, their inspiration fuelling my creative journey.
Small Space, Big Ideas
The windowsill may be small, but it brims with stories, resilience, and a constant inspiration flow. As an artist, I find myself drawn to the beauty of the plants themselves and the narratives they hold. Each object, each pot, and each sprig tells a tale of connection, perseverance, and the unexpected places where creativity can bloom. These everyday companions are more than just window dressing; they are a reminder that inspiration can be found everywhere, waiting to be nurtured and transformed into vibrant art. So, the next time you glance at your windowsill, take a moment to appreciate the stories it might hold. You never know; you might just discover your next muse.
Would you like to see examples of how my kitchen windowsill has directly influenced my BRIGHT art?
Look at the Kalanchoes Plant Pots; you will likely recognise the very plat pot that inspired them.
Journal Notes
The Asahi Shimbun Gallery at the British Museum.