Inspired by natural artist Eleanor Alice Hawks. As she is known too – or Ellie – installed 30 new artwork in Scarborough's South Cliff Garden.
“Don't Forget the Flowers” brings together a collection of moments from two years of gathering. It consists of a mixture of digital designs and photographs taken between Yorkshire, London and Amsterdam.
The design took almost two years to plan and create. The final 30 was completed around various important areas of the garden over the months prior to its installation last year.
“My work can be found in Italian gardens, Rose Gardens and Daisy Meadows,” says Eleanor. “The work is displayed in the style of an art trail and is the first of its works on display outside. The art trail is also an interactive activity for local schools and community groups, allowing you to hunt all 30 discs.
“It offers a special opportunity to share my love for nature with others – for flowers exhibited to induce conversations among strangers. It ignites memories of nostalgia through certain flowers and plants. Feel inspired by vibrant colors and unique shapes. To make someone smile on a rainy day. Bring comfort and strength when the waves get rough. Like nature, to remember it, there is nothing lasting.”
Using digital methods such as photography, printing and scanning, Eleanor creates intricate designs with flora and fauna. Plant material forged on local walks is used to construct her ideas conceptually and visually.
She enjoys exploring the landscape, where new ideas begin to move away from technology and connect with our fascinating world. The pieces she creates use unusual shapes and enlarged details. The idea is to attract the attention of the viewer, and she wants people to pause and appreciate the uniqueness of nature.
Her designs respond to seasonal changes and appear to be three-dimensional shapes. Perspex is the main material on which the design is printed. It has a translucent quality, allowing light and color to penetrate through the artwork.
Using flowers and scanners means that the results are technologically dependent, and in a sense it is a photography process. Once you complete one design, you will need up to 60 scans.
Ellie studied fine art at Central St. Martins in London from 2014 to 2017, and has been a practice artist since graduating.
“Don't Forget the Flowers” was funded by the Scarborough Council and operated alongside the garden restoration through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“We've been working hard to get into the world,” said Gemma Alexander, Community Engagement Officer at Southcliff Gardens.
“It was a joy to work with Ellie on this project to showcase emerging Yorkshire artists. Gardens have been a place to stop and appreciate nature for a long time, and this trail enhances the experience of its visitors. “Elly's work reminds us to take time to truly appreciate the natural world, and invites us to pause a little more in the recently restored gardens. Each piece has its own identity, so it's worth asking them all. Also, even on the dullest days, it brings special resonance to our surroundings, and two visits to see them are not the same.”
“This is an exhibition to remind us that it really means being in the present moment, and we invite you to appreciate the uniqueness of nature and pause from the strength of modern life as you explore our beautiful gardens.”
*The exhibition is permanent, open 365 days a year, open 24 hours a day, and is free to access. Visit Elliehawkes.com
