In this elegantly detailed abstract painting by Fiona Ackerman, an emerald green tropical plant is surrounded by bulbs, delicate ferns and organic shapes. A rich palette of yellow, orange and royal blue add depth and contrast to the composition inspired by the 17th century botanical illustrations of woman naturalists. “I realized that my botanical paintings were not really about nature but about my relationship to nature, my curiosity. My experience of nature as an outsider. About my hunger to understand nature. To feel at home in nature. My desire to love it and want to protect it rather than fear it.” Fiona Ackerman Originally from Montreal, Fiona Ackerman studied painting at Concordia University and completed a BFA at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2002. She has held more than 20 solo exhibitions internationally. Fiona’s studio practice extends beyond painting to include several large-scale murals, video and other public art projects. In her free time, she writes and records music and videos, often working with other musicians. She currently lives and works in Vancouver BC.