The diversity of Banksia leaves may surprise some, as often they are less spectacular than their flowers eg B. menziesii. Attention is paid to the rare and threatened species in this exhibition work, eg B. brownii and B. verticillata through to the more commonly grown varieties B. integrifolia, B. ericifolia and B. marginata. Small and quiet leaves and large and exaggerated leaf forms are part of the story and delight embellished on the ceramic forms.

 Banksias have been a constant in my life. My early childhood was spent in WA with many varieties of Banksia around me. In later childhood I lived in Sydney by the bush and have memories of sitting on rock shelves stained by Banksia leaves. I now live in Canberra and grow Banksias in the garden outside my studio. The Banksia Garden at ANBG, my home garden and occasional field trips are integral to my research.

 I propose to create embellished ceramic forms related to themes and memories of Banksias and include urns to hold human ashes, vases to display Banksia specimens, and plaques that document significant cultural moments.

Through this plant specific focus the work questions our relationship to Australian plants and their value in the environment and culture and the need to protect diversity of species.

 Some surfaces of the vessels and plaques are carved deeply with leaves and others display more shallow surfaces that gently describe the flora. The vessels are partly glazed and non glazed and made from white and black stoneware, porcelain and mid-fired clay bodies.