Method 1. Sequencing & Captioning
I have gathered all the illustrations together for a more in-depth analysis. Each watercolor illustration, created by a single artist, is remarkably realistic. Every botanical specimen is labeled with its Latin name. In total, there are 54 flowers in this collection, which widens the scope of the experiment and highlights the most significant similarities and differences among these numerous examples. I’ve organized the flower names in alphabetical order to enhance clarity and provide inspiration for Method 3, as described below.
Method 2. Taxonomising
Plant taxonomy, a subfield of botany, is the science of identifying, naming, classifying, and organizing plants into a hierarchical system that reflects their evolutionary relationships and characteristics. It plays a fundamental role in our understanding of plant diversity and helps researchers manage and work with plants effectively.
The plant kingdom, also known as Plantae, is one of the major biological kingdoms and encompasses a diverse group of multicellular, eukaryotic organisms known as plants.
There are a few examples from the overall collection. All the flowers in this set belong to the same Kingdom, Division, and Class, making the species very specific and narrow. The next stages further differentiate them, making classification easier. Therefore, the most specific feature that unites all these flowers for the artist is that they are Eudicots.
Method 3. (Re)contextualising
Observation of Method 1 inspired me to connect the alphabetical order with plants themselves, not only within the Latin name but also through the flower shape itself. Both plants and typography have anatomy that aids in their classification. So, I tried to (re)contextualize botanical shapes within the alphabet.
I created a font, which allows us to express both scientific and casual language simultaneously. The name of the font is ‘Homograph.’ Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and may or may not have the same pronunciation. The key characteristic of homographs is their identical spelling.
The connection between botanics and mental health is very strong. Many herbs are effective as calming remedies in a pharmacy culture. Interacting with indoor or outdoor plants has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Exposure to plants and green spaces can elevate mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The natural environment and the colors of plants have a soothing and uplifting influence on mental well-being. Having plants in work or study spaces can improve concentration and productivity. Interacting with plants and nature helps people feel more connected to the natural world. Breathing cleaner air is essential for overall well-being.
Therefore, I created a poster series ‘People, like plants, need care’ about mental health, particularly emphasizing the importance of social relationships. In the center of each poster, there is a word that has two different meanings (homograph): one used in our casual social life and the other, vernacular, to describe botanical terms. The aim of the project is to draw attention to the importance of mental health.
Blossom (menthal health): In botany, it’s a flower, especially one on a fruit tree. In everyday language, it can refer to the state of flourishing or developing positively.
Branch (interdependence): In botany, it’s a woody extension of the main stem of a plant. In everyday life, it refers to a division or part of something, like a branch of a company.
Fertilise (professional support): In botany, it’s the process of adding nutrients to the soil to help plants grow. In casual life, it can refer to making something more productive or fruitful.
Hedge (resilience): In botany, it’s a row of shrubs or low trees, typically planted to form a boundary. In casual life, it refers to a strategy or action taken to protect oneself.
Growth (personal growth): In botany, it’s the process of increasing in size or developing. In casual conversation, it refers to personal or organizational development.
Root (community): In botany, it’s the part of a plant that typically lies below the surface and absorbs water and nutrients. In casual life, we use it to refer to the root of a problem or the root of a family tree.
These words demonstrate how botanical terms and concepts are woven into the fabric of everyday language, reflecting the close connection between the natural world and human experience.
