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.

William Morris Gallery

As part of London Craft Week, an invitation came from the William Morris Gallery, the childhood home of William Morris, to host a live tattooing session, enabling visitors to observe the complete design process in real time.

At the Gallery's Archives, I delved into Morris's floral designs, finding inspiration in the varieties of flowers he employed. This research culminated in a series of watercolor paintings, which were subsequently made available as limited edition prints for purchase during the event.

After the research and development stage, an open call was initiated to select a member of the public to receive the final design. Dressed by florist Matthew Richardson in collaboration with Parliament Tattoo the event attracted the highest number of single-day visitors to the gallery during 2020, showcasing Morris's work to a young, curious, and creative audience worldwide. All proceeds were generously donated back to the William Morris Gallery.

Nido Creativo - Costa Rica

During the residency at Nido Creativo, an immersive study of the unique flora thriving in Costa Rica's tropical dry forest of Nicoya Peninsula was undertaken.

Collaborating with botanists Ines Obregon and local horticulturist Osiris Lazo Romero, I deepened my understanding of the region's flora through guided walks and personal research in the jungle. In partnership with photographers Inés Prelovsek and Charles Blouin , a series of photoshoots took place, during which native Costa Rican plants were sketched directly onto the bodies of residents in Nosara. Two tattooing sessions took place in natural settings, one in the jungle and another at a mango plantation.

All proceeds from this project supported Finca Loroco, an initiative dedicated to seed preservation.

Botanical Drawing Wokshop - Little Shop of Soil

My first-ever Botanical Drawing Workshop took place at the Little Shop of Soil in Bushwick, NYC. The workshop's intent was to cultivate new ways of relating to plants that transcend the purely scientific lens, inviting participants to view plants not merely as biological entities but as beings intertwined with human existence.

This workshop departs from the conventions of Western botany, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Herbarium, which emphasize precise anatomical and technical descriptions to enhance botanical knowledge. During the three hours of guided exercises, participants immersed themselves in sensory experiences, meditation, and creative processes that encouraged connection, understanding, and empathy with plants.

Conservatory Archives

Inspired by the extensive plant collection at Conservatory Archives in Lower Clapton London, a bodysuit project was conceived.

Captured by Vicky Polak the concept behind this project was to design a piece while surrounding myself in the subject matter, relying solely on direct observation of plants without the use of any reference images. 

Furthermore, the goal was to explore the possibilities of drawing on the body as a standalone activity, rather than considering it merely as a preliminary step before tattooing.