Community

Posted 9M ago by @TexanExpat

Your plants as Art I came to houseplants, in part, is a...

Your plants as Art

I came to houseplants, in part, is an offshoot of art therapy for the treatment of PTSD. I noticed that having pictures of the Dutch golden age floral still life prints elevated my mood. So I thought why not try real plants. I didn’t know it at the time, but there is a lot of science and evidence linking plants and nature with treating various health conditions including mental health.

For those of you interested in this aspect of having house plants might, I suggest combining it with artistic expression. I have some progress with respect to this in the photos, I posted where I have vines undulating about the art across my wall.

Have you ever heard of this expression art imitating life imitating art? Have you ever considered how cultivation of plants can be an art form?

"Art imitating life imitating art" captures the cyclic relationship between artistic expression mirroring reality, and life drawing inspiration from art. The term's origins trace back to the Greek philosopher Aristotle's concept of "mimesis," emphasizing imitation and representation in art.

Consider Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night." This masterpiece exemplifies art imitating life through van Gogh's interpretation of the night sky. Life imitates art as this iconic painting has influenced and inspired various forms of expression, from fashion to home decor. The swirling patterns and vivid colors have become synonymous with the romanticized depiction of the night sky, showcasing how classical art can permeate and shape our cultural consciousness in tangible ways.

The most iconic example of plants as art form comes from Louis XIV of France. The Gardens of Versailles stand as a pinnacle of artistic expression, where the cultivation of plants is elevated to a classical art form. Crafted in the 17th century, these gardens seamlessly merge geometric precision with the organic beauty of nature. Through meticulously designed parterres, water features, and sculpted greenery, Versailles achieves an aesthetic synthesis of classical principles and horticultural mastery, establishing the cultivation of plants as a grand classical artistry.

In my more modest surroundings, I have my monstera weaving its way across my art from art therapy.

I like to think the greenery adds a dynamic and organic dimension to the artworks, creating a symbiotic relationship where the natural world reflects and enhances the artistic expressions, completing a captivating loop of influence and inspiration.

Are any of you using plants as your pallet ?

If you find plants as an art form interesting, take a look at this article about Piet Ouldolf. He is a renowned Dutch garden designer, and has been a transformative figure in the realm of garden design, elevating the use of plants to an art form. His approach, often referred to as "New Perennial" or "Oudolfian" style, emphasizes the careful selection and placement of plants to create dynamic, naturalistic compositions that evolve with the seasons. REVISED I FORGOT LINK https://whipplerussell.com/blog/gardens-as-art-the-designs-of-piet-oudolf . #GregGang #CentralTexasGang #SanAntonioGregGang GreggersSupportingGreggers #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddicts #plantdad #plantsareart
Wow. Beautiful and thought-provoking. And also having PTSD, I’ve found plants to be the most effective way to calm my anxiety and overstimulated nervous system. It’s really profound, the positive effects plants have been bringing into my life. Very much appreciate this post!
@BabeVila glad to hear you enjoyed the post and find that plants can calm affliction and ease suffering for you. Have you heard of biophysics design? I think implementing that on societal level would help a lot of people. Imagine if this is what changing flights in ATL or DFW entailed lol. It would be a big difference in experience and stress lol.
@TexanExpat I haven’t, but I have a feeling I’m about to go down a Google rabbit hole! That looks beautiful 😍 and I absolutely agree.
@BabeVila for what it’s worth, I first became aware of biophyllic design as a concept a few years ago and as I’ve continued to struggle and using not just plants but nature to help cope with PTSD I’ve gained a better understanding of how the role of our environment around us, be it our dwellings themselves or our communities can ameliorate symptoms. As I’ve learned more I discovered there is a collection of essays (sounds fun already right?) titled the Biophyllia Hypothesis that is kind of the Origen story for biophyllic design—-if you want OG rabbit hole…follow that. Lol
@TexanExpat I’m not averse to reading an essay once in awhile! Thank you for the recommendation 😊
@TexanExpat Thank you for sharing this! Inspiring and thoughtful.
@SunnyPlants I’m glad y’all enjoyed it. I haven’t worked my way through through all the essays yet —they are actually kind of emotional for me. Kinda strange actually. But #biophyliia and the noticeable difference that foliage and nature alike have done to improve the quality of my life has prompted me to join the Alamo Area Master Naturalist program, where I will receive training and then become a memeber of a Corps of volunteers for the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife. I can’t wait to channel my Leslie Knope.
Love these peaceful pictures-thank you for sharing