The Iceni Botanical Artists will display their work at Becket’s Chapel from July 9 to July 21 after a six-year absence.
Their exhibition, entitled ‘IBA in Bloom,’ features artistry in oils, acrylics, coloured pencils, watercolours, and graphite.
Each piece reflects the artist’s approach, from loose techniques and landscapes to plant portraits.
Francesca Cowie, an IBA member, said: “The seed of my artistic pursuits was planted by my determination as an infant to feel a sense of connection with my non-verbal autistic brother.
“This was the true beginning to my journey as a Botanical Artist.”
Francesca’s path to becoming a member of IBA involved both science and art.
She said: “I graduated from university with a Bachelor of Science degree however, I felt a career in science wasn’t going to truly fulfil me and instead tantalised the idea of becoming a scientific illustrator to combine both passions.
In 2020 I graduated with a diploma in Botanical Illustration with the Society of Botanical Artists.”
Later, she joined the IBA after encountering them in 2022 at their annual exhibition in Bury St Edmunds.
Francesca appreciates the inspiration the group offers, she said: ” I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a lovely group and tap into a wealth of inspiration through their talent.”
Francesca further explained her favourite subjects to illustrate: “I particularly enjoy illustrating plants with imperfections as I feel these are the most inspiring subjects, imperfect yet beautiful and scientifically accurate to represent the true nature of life.”
Her botanical illustrations aim to share the elegance of the natural world and inspire others to experience the soothing world of art.
