Flora Fantastica: The Botanical Art of MF Cardamone

“Shortly after completing the Barnes Foundation Arboretum School Program in 2005 and during the planning of my own native plant garden I became inspired to start this project. The mission of this work is to record and document what’s become of the plants in our modern culture by contrasting their past and present life histories.

I like to think of my work as contemporary natural history specimens that are influenced by the traditions of specimen mounting and botanical illustration. I combine images with words and create visual narratives that reveal the science, history, and beauty of my subjects. I’m interested in many aspects of plants; from the relationship that people have with them to their ecology, mythology, and medicinal uses.

Original pieces are produced in small editions on 100% watercolor paper. I use a variety of media including: collage, digital imaging, gouache, acrylics, and pen and ink. Some of my inspirations are: Medieval Herbals and manuscripts, Traditional Chinese Medicine (I study it), Pop Art and Surrealism.”

Via the Santa Fe Botanical Garden.