Tasmanian artist Deborah Wace has always had a deep and intimate connection to plants and the natural environment. Her way of seeing and being in the world is acutely informed by this relationship. As a botanical artist, print maker, fabric designer, amateur botanist, lover of natural history, teacher, musician and an ecological activist Deborah Wace sees herself as a plant advocate. She says a theme that deeply runs through her life and work is how to advocate for plant species and ecosystems that need a voice. "I'm more than happy to be that voice, it feels like the least I can do to give back for the immense pleasure that I derive from being out in nature."
I'm Helene Thomas, founder and creator of The Wayfinder Mobile Story Studio. I was lucky to have Deborah in my studio recently. We drove to a beautiful place, halfway up kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Spending time with Deborah is like being transported into a magical and wondrous world where plants and flowers come alive.
In our Going Deep session Deborah speaks about the ways her childhood inspired her love of nature and her art, the challenges of being an artist, activism, her Churchill Fellowship, and her latest collaborative project, The Sartorial Naturalist, which is being launched tonight and exhibited over the next few days.
Join me as I deep dive into the magnificent world of Deborah Wace.
Music credit - Claire Anne Taylor
Photo credit - Owen Fielding
