New Book Documents Exhibition of Plant-Based Visual Art

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By Guest Entry

Posted on February 01, 2021 | Updated March 03, 2021, 6:49pm

Spent bouquets, living sculpture and and botanical photogenic drawings spark a visual alchemical gallery conversation.

A new book documents a recent, touring exhibition of plant-based artworks by artists and ECU community members Edward Peck (Part Time Studies), Pierre Leichner (2007) and Phyllis Schwartz (2010).

Collaborative Alchemy: Plant Based Visual Arts, published by Sassamatt, catalogues Edward's large-format "scan grams," Pierre's wheat-grass sculpture and Phyllis' lumen prints, all of which toured five Lower Mainland galleries during 2019 and 2020.

The practices of all three artists "contemplate the full cycle of natural growth and transitions which are in an ever-changing state," according to an introductory text.

"They use plant-based materials to create works of art that speak to issues of permanence and impermanence. They are choreographers and arrangers who have manipulated natural materials into compositions that challenge the viewer to contemplate time, form, and the ephemeral."

In early 2019, the works showed in an initial group exhibition — entitled Natural Alchemy — at Cityscape Community ArtSpace in North Vancouver. In April that same year, Phyllis and Edward presented their work at the Lipont Gallery in Richmond, in a group exhibition entitled Formulation of Time. The show was held in conjunction with the Capture Photography Festival. In late summer, 2019, the works were shown in an exhibition called Collaborative Alchemy, at the Outlet Gallery in Port Coquitlam. During this exhibition, all three artists held workshops and gave presentations on their processes and techniques. In November, 2019, Collaborative Alchemy opened at the Amelia Douglas Gallery in New Westminster. During this show, the trio held seminars for fine art students. Finally, in January, Collaborative Alchemy: Plant Based Visual Art opened at Place des Arts Gallery in Coquitlam, where all three artists also presented workshops.

Collaborative Alchemy the book documents a selection of these works, and includes an essay and artist statements. The bound volume is available now in the blurb bookstore.

About Pierre, Edward and Phyllis

Pierre Leichner (Grad 2007), Edward Peck (Part Time Studies) and Phyllis Schwartz (Grad 2010) are artists whose practice contemplates the full cycle of natural growth and transitions that are in an ever-changing state. They use plant-based materials to create works of art that reflect states of permanence and impermanence. They are choreographers and arrangers who have manipulated natural materials into compositions that challenge the viewer to contemplate form, time, and the ephemeral.

Hybrid prints by Phyllis Schwartz are made by a contact printing process that leaves traces and shadows on photosensitive surfaces. Her lumen prints engage viewers on a primal level to look again and make their own meaning from ambiguity.

Pierre Leichner uses plant roots and moulds in an exploration of our relationship with nature and the beauty of the life cycle. In his work, the roots of plants become sculptural forms.

Edward Peck’s photography addresses the symbolism of flower arrangements and the transformation of meaning when they are discarded. He explores the beauty that extends beyond our utilitarian use of these obsolete floral arrangements.