From Soil to Still Life
This hands-on workshop will teach you how to transform everyday botanical objects into compelling photographic images. Explore the process behind Fiona's botanical still-life photography, from sculpting with soil to composing and photographing a finished botanical artwork.
Begin in Inverleith House with an introduction to Fiona Young's practice, before sculpting your own soil vessel out of a selection of botanical materials. You will then explore how light, balance and negative space are used in creating a still-life photograph.
This workshop is suitable for beginners and requires no previous artistic or photographic experience. Meet an exhibiting artist, gain an insight into a creative process, and engage with Earth Matters through making, observing and creating.
Please note, weather permitting, this will be an outdoors event. Meet at the entrance to Inverleith House, to attend the workshop held at Around a Tree. Seating will be available. If you have any access requirements or questions relating to this event, please email creativeprogrammes@rbge.org.uk.
The symbolic still life photography of Fiona Young began as a subconscious way to process and recover from the trauma of caring for her child through mental health challenges. Her images explore fragility, recovery, resilience, and hope – reflecting both her personal journey and a wider call to protect wild spaces. Deeply attuned to the healing power of spending time in nature, Young’s practice draws on natural forms and light to create contemplative compositions that speak of restoration and care.
Meet the Makers is supported by The Andrew Raven Trust and Edinburgh Geological Society.
Earth Matters is curated by Susanna Beaumont | Design Exhibition Scotland and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The exhibition runs from 20 March – 1 November 2026 at Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and is free and open to all.
Earth Matters is supported by Players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Edinburgh Geological Society, with special thanks to the James Hutton Institute. The exhibition is part of Edinburgh Science Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, RSA200 and James Hutton Tercentenary 2026.