Submitted by Libby Kyer, Mar 21, 2008 13:11

I recently had the opportunity to see this exhibit while I was in NYC coordinating release issues for my publication "Today's Botanical Artists" (Schiffer Publishing, www.schifferbooks.com, co-author Cora Marcus). It was a pleasure to see not only the original watercolors but also the first volume of the Florilegium. This is the most recent iteration of a venerable tradition. Botanical art continues to be a vital genre that was not killed by the advent of the camera, as it can present species in total, something a camera cannot necessarily achieve. In addition, as you so rightly noted, even though science is served first in botanical art, the enthusiasms, skills and individual views of the artist are evident in each artwork.

People have a visceral connection to plants. We understand on a subconscious level the integral part they play in making our world work. Botanical art is the perfect bridge between subconscious and conscience knowledge of species and ecology in this age when we must protect and propagate species to preserve our planet. Botanical art presents the viewer with a new way of looking at our best friends - our plants - and recruits active supporters, conscious plant champions, for positive management of our ecological resources.

My book presents the works of internationally noted North American botanical artists who, as a group, acknowledge their commitment to promoting sound ecological practices. I encourage you to continue to consider botanical art in your reporting. It serves two masters - science and aesthetics - beautifully with images that bloom endlessly and gracefully. Thank you for this wonderful article.

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.