Chelsea Physic Garden

Embodied Surfaces is a research-led project that explores our relationships with plants and the individuals who choose to permanently adorn their bodies with them. The first edition of this project took place at Chelsea Physic Garden, London’s oldest botanical garden, originally established as an outdoor classroom to train apothecaries’ apprentices. Today, Chelsea Physic Garden remains the only botanic collection focused entirely on medicinal, herbal, and useful plants.

During the project, I spent time at the garden, immersing myself in its rich history and diverse plant species, selecting medicinal plants that would inspire a large-scale tattoo piece. This process involved exploring the symbolic and healing properties of plants, which informed the final design.

An open call invited the public to share their relationship with plants for a chance to receive a tattoo, with the first session taking place at the garden, attracting over 200 applicants.

The event also brought together many past clients, who shared their own personal stories opening up a broader conversation about the bond between plants and humans.