Pollinators

The intense application of agricultural insecticides after the Second World War in order to boost food production and avoid starvation, often termed The Green Revolution, has had an unpredicted and devastating effect on biodiversity world-wide.

The annihilation of some species of insects has removed the food source upon which many birds depended, with the consequence that the range of songbirds found in England has declined dramatically. Similarly, some species of wild flowers which rely on insects for their reproduction through pollination are facing extinction.

These paintings are dedicated to insects!

They attempt, without any real reference to science, to illustrate the world of wild flowers as experienced or ‘seen’ through the eyes of insects. They hint at possible psychedelic trips as the pollinators travel from plant to plant, turned on by wonderful sights and aromas of nectar. This environment is paralleled in the Islamic courtyards in Damascus. The fading light of the evening, the increasing strength of the moon and of candlelight, increases the combination of the heady scents of the plants – honeysuckle, datura etc with the labyrinthine pattern of tiles: a near psychedelic experience in a country where alcohol is forbidden.

All of these artworks are available for purchase. Please click each image for more information or enquire.