Inspired by the natural world artist Eleanor Alice Hawkes.- or Ellie as she is also known – installed 30 new pieces of artwork at South Cliff Gardens in Scarborough.
‘Don’t forget the flowers’ brings together a collection of moments gathered over two years. It is made up of a mixture of digital designs and photographs taken between Yorkshire, London and Amsterdam.
The designs took almost two years to plan and create. The final 30 were completed over several months, prior to installation last year, around various key areas of the gardens.
“My work can be found in the Italian Gardens, Rose Garden and daisy meadow,” says Eleanor. “The works display in the style of an arts trail and is my first exhibition of work being displayed outside. The arts trail is also an interactive activity for local schools and community groups, who can hunt for all 30 discs.
“It offers a special opportunity to share my love for nature with others – for the flowers displayed to spark conversations between strangers; to ignite memories of nostalgia through a certain flower or plant; to feel inspired by vibrant colour and unique shapes; to make someone smile on a rainy day; to bring solace and strength when the waves get rough; to remember that just like in nature, nothing is permanent.”
Using digital methods such as photography, printing and scanning, Eleanor creates intricate designs with flora and fauna. Foraged on local walks, plant matter is used to compose her ideas conceptually and visually.
She enjoys exploring landscapes and this is where new ideas begin, away from technology and connecting with our fascinating world. The pieces she creates use unusual shapes and magnified details. The idea is to catch the viewer’s attention and she hopes people will pause and appreciate the uniqueness of nature.
Her designs respond to seasonal changes and appear three dimensional in form. Perspex is the main material, on to which designs are printed. It has translucent qualities, enabling light and colour to infiltrate through the artwork.
Working with flowers and a scanner means the outcome is reliant on technology, and in a sense a photographic process. Perfecting one single design can take up to 60 scans.
Ellie studied Fine Art at Central Saint Martins in London from 2014 to 2017 and has been a practising artist since graduating.
‘Don’t Forget the Flowers’ was funding by Scarborough Council, to run alongside the restoration of the gardens through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Gemma Alexander, community engagement officer for South Cliff Gardens says:
“It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Ellie on this project and to showcase an emerging Yorkshire artist. The gardens have long been a place to stop and appreciate nature and this trail enhances that visitor experience. “Ellie’s work reminds us to take time out to really appreciate the natural world and invites us to pause a little longer in our recently restored gardens. Each piece has its own identity so it is well worth seeking them all out, they also change with the conditions so even on the dullest day they bring a special resonance to their surroundings and no two visits to view them will be the same.”
“This is an exhibition to remind us what it truly means to be in the present moment, it invites us to appreciate the uniqueness of nature and pause from the intensity of modern day life whilst exploring our beautiful gardens.”
*The exhibition is permanent, open 365 days a year, open 24 hours and with free access. Visit elliehawkes.com
