While I would love to take full credit for this idea, it is not entirely mine. 

The concept of “plant spirits” originated thousands of years ago in ancient cultures that understood and revered the healing powers of nature. In many indigenous and Earth-based religions, the bond between humans and plants is sacred, much like the bond between a teacher and a student. For example, the Ayahuasca plant used in traditional South American ceremonies can quite literally take you on a journey into the depths of your subconscious. Or take the well-known Carlos Castaneda book series, in which the author details his own encounters with the plant spirit world. Even the pragmatic scientific community has started to accept the fact that plants are more than just oxygen producing machines. In her book Thus Spoke the Plant and countless TED Talks over the years, evolutionary ecologist Monica Gagliano outlines her findings in the field of bioacoustics that extends the concept of cognition to plants. More recently, the New York Times has published this article about plants producing audible popping sounds—a stress response similar to our moans and groans—when they are hurt or dehydrated.

All of this confirms my own personal experience living with plants. The more time I spend digging, pruning, watering, repotting, fertilizing and admiring my plants, the more I learn that their individual preferences and quirks are similar to that of a human. So why not put the two together?

Some of us already accept the idea of spirit animals that guide and protect us on our life journey so it’s only natural that the same concept should apply to all the living things we share this Earth with. My art is an interpretation of this experience and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share it with you.