MF Cardamone

http://mfcardamone.com/

Artist Statement

MF Cardamone's mixed media works on paper whimsically record the life histories of plants throughout the world. Her plant specimens are collected and combined with images and words that playfully modernize the traditions of specimen mounting and botanical illustration. The results are complex visual narratives that reveal the science, history, and beauty of their subjects. Original pieces are produced in small editions and printed on 100% rag watercolor paper using archival inks and individually embellished by hand.

Shortly after completing the Barnes Foundation Arboretum School program, she started designing her native Pennsylvania wildlife habitat garden. While researching and collecting native plants for the garden, she became fascinated by their life histories and medicinal uses. "I wanted to document the information and create work that would be both entertaining and educational". Her inspiration and influences are varied and combine a lot of different interests such as: Medieval Herbals and manuscripts, ecology, folklore, ethnic and vintage designs, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Pop Art and Surrealism.

"I’m fascinated by plants and the relationship we have with nature. I'm in awe of their mystery, beauty and the power they have to sustain and heal."