MEET THE ARTIST
Laura Butler is a visual artist currently attending the University of Western Ontario, working to complete a Bachelor’s degree with an Honors Specialization in Fine Art. Her practice often uses plantae imagery to explore man controlling nature and the autonomy of plants. She works mainly in acrylic paint and various printmaking techniques.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Humans depend on plants for survival, but why are humans drawn to gaining deeper knowledge of plants and their capabilities? If humans have been underestimating the abilities and intelligence of plants, how would that affect our use and appreciation of them?
My practice was developed by investigating the purpose of houseplants and how some consumers are unable to care for a living plant. Generally, consumers are attracted to artificial plants because they eliminate the consumer’s ability to kill the plant. Although it can be argued the vibrant green of the artificial plants could contribute to a more positive mental state for consumers, I believe there are stronger mental benefits to be had by caring for a plant and keeping it alive. As my practice evolved, I eventually began researching scientific evidence that plants are intelligent and sentient beings.
In each artwork, I use a combination of research including scientific and pseudo-scientific studies involving plantae. I demonstrate my findings by anthropomorphizing plants, so the creatures seem intimidating and mysterious.
The plant heads are indistinguishable from one another; becoming unruly and chaotic, while the bodies always directly face the audience, suggesting there is an unknown power that makes them equivalent to the viewer.
Painting with large areas of flat color eliminates my hand as the artist, so a dichotomy of the man-made plants taking over the space and their human bodies demonstrates their intelligence and sentience. By combining human bodies with plant heads, the abilities of plants are comparable those of humans.
If interested in knowing more about Laura's work or in purchasing a piece, please contact Laura at
l.lovesbluebird@gmail.com
