Materials: Japanese Unryushi paper, natural fibre papers

Technique: papermaking, cut paper lettering design, calligraphy, collage 

Size: 65cm (w) x 15cm (h) when open

Description: It is imperative that we preserve trees in all their biodiversity. We need to keep as many species as possible from becoming extinct, so they can provide us, and all animals, with important requisites for survival. These include shelter, shade, ingredients for medicines, reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide, sources of food, building materials, manufacture of paper, stabilisation of the soil, homes for animals, and aesthetic appeal. These are lettered in gold (symbolising their importance and wealth in our lives) over the word BIODIVERSITY in black Japanese Unryushi paper. This was designed using a torn-paper technique, and the linkages of the letters in the word BIODIVERSITY reflect the inter-relationships of all these benefits and requisites provided by our trees.

The background is a collage of papers made from many different locally-grown plant fibres, on which is written the scientific names of all the families of trees throughout the world. The combination of both locally-produced papers and imported paper symbolises our global dependence on trees and the luxury of choice due to international trade.

Created as one of the collaborative projects during my 2012 Artist-in-Residency at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha.

Displayed in “The Language of Nature II” exhibition and “Floressence” at Mt Coot-tha (read more information about this in my Residency Blog).

Exhibited in “Biennale De Papier En Cevennes” in Le Vigan, France in 2012 (one of the few international artists selected).

Displayed in “Fibrefest” at Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha, and in Toowong Library in 2013.