Born 1955 in Germany
I took up painting plants later in life, after pursuing a career in social science research and working as a massage therapist and yoga teacher.
It was an herbalism course that inspired me to pursue botanical illustration. While living in Burgenland, Austria, I became involved in preserving orchard meadows and began illustrating fruit.
I enjoy the discipline and attention to detail that botanical illustration requires, and I favour naturalistic, descriptive work. Ideas for my subjects mainly stem from collaborative projects or my connections with people close to me and their relationships with certain plants.
Title of the project
Bird-Attracting Shrubs
About the project
My project explores five local plants that attract birds with their fruits, highlighting birds’ role as vital “seed couriers.”
Seed dispersal allows plants to grow away from parents, conserving biodiversity. Worldwide, over 60,000 plants rely on birds, including many temperate shrubs spread by thrushes, robins, and tomtits. Birds’ vision, adapted beaks, and digestion make them effective dispersers. Plants “advertise” fruits through colours, UV reflection, size, timing, clustering, and nutritional rewards, ensuring seeds are eaten and spread.
My aim is to raise awareness of the ecological importance of birds and inspire planting of native and bird-friendly shrubs.
