OUR
STORY
Dearest friends,
I feel an introduction is in order.
My name is Lily Pill and I’m Linda’s (the artists) daughter.
You’ve probably seen me in a couple of posts holding Mum up in a tree to get the perfect photo (which was definitely a regular occurrence) or helping her find new specimens for her art in the garden.
Unfortunately my wonderful mother has had a secret battle with cancer over the past 8 years and passed away on October 27th, 2021 surrounded by love.
My mum has always had a passion for native flora and fauna which has influenced and been passed down to not only myself but everyone who knew her.
I myself am continuing mum's business, as I want to keep her passions for art and native wildlife alive. I would love for people to still be able to buy and enjoy mum's art so that her beautiful work and amazing career is never forgotten.
Below I have included a short biography of Mum's career that she wrote a few years ago. Her career is truly amazing and I hope her passion inspires you in some way.
Thank you for all of your support and love.
Many thanks, Lily Pill 🐝🌸🌿
About Linda
I am an Australian born Artist who paints botanic themed works which often display a unique combination of botany and insects with a touch of the whimsical.
My career in art...
After majoring in Art at school and following that through to a tertiary level, I began my professional career
working firstly in Graphic Design. This was followed by a decade in the Animation Industry working for the
Walt Disney Studios in Sydney, Australia. There I worked on various animated projects such as “The Lion King
2”, “Peter Pan 2”, “Winnie the Pooh” and “The Goofy Movie” to name a few. This was a special time.... I was
surrounded by extremely talented artists and great friends and I learnt so much about drawing .....especially
character drawing.
My interest in the world of Botanic Art began in 2000, when I decided I was in need of a change. Due to my passion for plants and nature, I decided to study Horticulture. I also attended some Botanic Art Classes to learn more about the use and technique of watercolours. To my delight, I got more than I was hoping for.... I was instantly attracted to this beautiful craft in every way... the subject matters, the techniques, precision and observation....it all felt very exciting and very right...... I was absolutely hooked from day one! As time moved on, my drawing and painting style evolved into what it is today ....and my knowledge of plants and insects just grew and grew ... and with every new
project the evolving knowledge, inspiration and enjoyment thankfully continues.
Plants, bugs and whimsy...
Australian native plants have been my passion right from the beginning.... particularly seed pods. I have a tendency to choose my plant subjects based on their shapes and design. I’m also attracted to specimens which are unusual, imperfect and display loads of interest and character. For example; the singing velvety mouths of an oddly shaped banksia seed pod, or the twisted dried seed-heads of a native grass, or some discoloured leaves which are dried and nibbled in parts. I feel these types of features make the work more real and interesting, and they certainly make it more enjoyable to draw and paint.
I’m fascinated by nature close-up and try my very best to capture the characteristics and details of my subject matters as accurately as I can..... where possible using live specimens as reference, and if not.... my photographs and dried specimens.
Insects are another important feature to my work. Their beautifully designed and intricate bodies and their way of life in their miniature world is truly fascinating to me. I feel they often add to the narrative of the work and at times an educational and environmental aspect as well.
Not always present, but frequently seen in my work are my wee faery folk. They are something a little special I like to incorporate into a piece..... I often can’t help seeing that a crook in a branch or the top of a seed pod to be a perfect place for them to have a nap or to swing from. They are lots of fun.... and seem to bring so much joy to people.
My work process and where
I work...
One of my favourite parts of my work is going out in the field to do research and specimen collecting......this is always and adventure! It is not an unusual occurrence to witness me dashing with squealing delight towards an interesting find, with camera and secateurs swinging frantically behind....... or tip-toeing, sliding or commando crawling carefully up to various little creatures with camera at the ready on it’s macro setting.
Drawing and designing the artwork is another wonderful part of the process for me....with lots of creativity and refining .... and then finally the painting ....the opportunity to work in colour and bring it all to life! Watercolours are the medium I use to paint with and most often than not, very small brushes to apply delicate & time consuming brush strokes to achieve an intricately detailed piece of work.
I have taken part in various exhibitions and have been invited to be a Guest Speaker as well as an Artist in Residence on occasion..... I also have the pleasure of selling my works at my market stall which is lots of fun!
I paint from my studio in Adelaide, South Australia and it is here that I continue to work on a variety of projects while selling my Originals, Limited Edition Prints and Greeting Cards.
You can follow the progress of my work and more on my Instagram page.
