Project Orchid

Project Orchid explores archival thinking through botanical imagery, collection and material experimentation. Using the orchid as both subject matter and archive, the project investigates ideas of classification, repetition and organisation through a process-led approach.

Working across clay, cyanotypes, scanning and painting, I experimented with how materials could transform, document and reinterpret botanical forms. Rather than prioritising fixed outcomes, the project focused on collecting, testing and prolonged material investigation, allowing process itself to become an important part of the work.

Influenced by botanical archives and systems of cataloguing, Project Orchid examines the relationship between natural forms, documentation and making, exploring how archives can function as active, evolving processes rather than static collections.

lay orchid forms arranged on a white surface as part of Project Orchid.
Project Orchid – Clay Study

Clay orchid studies exploring botanical form, repetition and material process.

Project Orchid research materials featuring clay orchid forms, botanical imagery and process documentation.
Project Orchid – Research & Process

Research and process materials from Project Orchid, combining clay experimentation, botanical imagery and archival references.

Blue cyanotype prints featuring orchid stems, flowers and experimental botanical imagery.
Project Orchid – Cyanotype Studies II

Cyanotype experiments using orchid imagery to explore exposure, process and botanical documentation.

Printed orchid image labelled “Specimen Two”, referencing scientific botanical documentation.
Project Orchid – Specimen Two

Printed orchid specimen influenced by Joan Fontcuberta’s constructed botanical imagery.

Blue cyanotype prints showing experimental orchid imagery.
Project Orchid – Layered Cyanotype Studies

Layered cyanotype experiments exploring orchid forms through photographic and botanical processes.

Abstract scanned orchid fragment against a dark background.
Project Orchid – Scan Study IV

Experimental scan study exploring fragmented botanical imagery

Abstract scanned orchid form against a dark background.
Project Orchid – Scan Study III

Experimental scan study exploring distorted botanical imagery and archival transformation.

Abstract scanned orchid fragment against a dark background.
Project Orchid – Scan Study II

Experimental scan study exploring fragmented botanical imagery and transformation.

Abstract botanical scan showing fragmented orchid imagery against a dark background.
Project Orchid – Scan Study

Experimental scan study exploring transformed botanical forms.