A brush with the Botanical Artists Group

Over 180 people joined author Janda Gooding and members of the Botanical Artists Group for the launch of Brush with Gondwana on Thursday 6 November.

The book was launched by popular ABC radio personality and Soil Sister Andrea Whitely at Aspects of Kings Park.

In her speech, Ms Whitely said that Western Australia was internationally renowned for its plant diversity and pointed out the contribution made by botanical artists to recording the State’s unique flora, fauna and fungi.

Author Janda Gooding praised the Botanical Artists Group for their commitment to their art. She said science was an important aspect of their work but, in addition, every image had a narrative telling the viewer something of the life history of each individual plant or the species.

Brush with Gondwana is the first book to feature the work of all seven permanent members of the Botanical Artists Group of Western Australia. Six of the seven members appeared at the launch.

Artist Philippa Nikulinsky said it was extremely rare to have so many members together at once because much of their time was spent on field work.

The Botanical Artists Group are Pat Dundas, Rica Erickson, Ellen Hickman, Penny Leech, Philippa Nikulinksy, Margaret Pieroni and Katrina Syme.

Members of the Botanical Artists Group will next appear on 8 December at the Subiaco Library. RSVP 9237 9222 or email library@subiaco.wa.gov.au