Sci-art & design

I am so inspired by botanical artists, both modern and throughout history. Botanical art is such a key part of botanical science, and deepens our collective knowledge and understanding of plants and their environments. I’m definitely still learning when it comes to art, but here are a few of the ways I like to play and create!

 

Painting

I have enjoyed working on plant-inspired artworks for the last few years, with the guidance of Western Australian artist Jill Ansell. My artworks have been exhibited at the Victoria Park Centre for the Arts in 2019 and 2021, where I was delighted to have my first ever art sale with my Pin Cushion Hakea piece!

 
Full Circle, Laura Skates.jpg

PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’ve seen my Instagram, you’ll know how much I love taking photos of #coolplants. I entered my photo of Hakea cucullata, titled ‘Full Circle’, in the University of Western Australia’s Biological Arts competition in 2017, and was delighted to be awarded a Special Commendation!

 

POSTER DESIGNS

I always want my scientific posters to tell a story, and be as bright, colourful, and fun as possible! Some of my favourites include my ‘postcards from the Kimberley’ inspired poster (left, winner of the IsoEcol 2018 poster prize) and my interactive ‘capturing prey and imaginations’ poster (right, winner of the Australian Flora Foundation 2018 poster prize).

 

COLLABORATIONS

I was so thrilled when Illustrated Research invited me to be part of their science-art collaborations for Women’s History Month in 2019. Leeah Whittier created this beautiful image of the native carnivorous plant Byblis with a background of isotopes, inspired by my research. Read more here.

If you would like to collaborate on a sci-art project with me, please do get in touch!