untitled (introduced species)

In this body of work I looked at the nurturing, tender beauty of some of New Zealand's most common weeds. This includes wild blackberry, fennel, queen Anne’s lace/wild carrot, wild turnip, dandelion. A common history these plant species have is that they were introduced into New Zealand by European settlers. Frequently for the purpose of food cultivation these plants were sewn in the land, then spread their seed far and near. We can now find them growing on untamed road sides and gutters. 

Most of which have delicate flowers or intricate seed heads. I find it captivating how something so beautiful can be completely unappreciated because it is an introduced species. A question I have grown throughout the creative process of this project. It is in-fact a question I might even continue to work with. 

Investigating the way that a plant that was uprooted from generations of genetic develop and shipped around the world in order to replicate European Agriculture in new colonised countries can then be blamed for unintentionally finding a more fitting environment and becoming an unstoppable force! I think it is much less the plant to blame but the individuals who introduced it, ponder that next time you disregard a beautiful wild flower just because it is typically unwanted. 

In making this body of work I collected young plants, uprooting them or taking cuttings. In reflection to the Wild Flower Societies ‘code of conduct: for the conservation and enjoyment of wild plants’ I was considerate in the place and manner in which I was collecting the plants. Collecting these plants from road sides or public places where they grow unmonitored and unwanted means that there is no persons in which I was actively taking from. This is an important thought process both ethically and legally.

2021