STORY BEHIND THE ART OF DEB CHIRNSIDE

19th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists & The Horticultural Society of New York

Coast Banksia 

Banksia integrifolia

My painting is on manuscript vellum, animal skin, a surface that is very different from watercolor paper and takes quite a bit of adjusting to. Very little water is used, otherwise you remove the paint that has been previously applied and you’re back to the beginning! This can be an advantage if you purposely need to remove paint, a definite plus in comparison to paper. The paint sits on the surface of the skin and by layering with small brush strokes, you can achieve a beautiful glowing quality to your color. I look forward to my next foray into this ancient method that is increasing in popularity.

My subject is Banksia integrifolia, a hardy banksia, growing well in coastal areas, sometimes reaching 25 metres tall. Banksias can vary from low growing shrubs to tall trees. The cones of Banksia integrifolia are quite small, approximately 8cm; other banksia cones can be much larger, some as big as 20cm or more. The banksia is a genus of around 170 species, all but one occurring naturally in Australia and is a member of the very large Proteaceae family. Proteaceae are mainly in the Southern Hemisphere with the main groups of diversity being in Australia and South Africa. In Australia this includes plants such as Hakeas, Macadamias, Grevilleas and Waratahs; in South Africa the Protea is included. The Banksia was named after Sir Joseph Banks, the first European to collect specimens of these plants in Australia, whilst he took part in Captain James Cook’s first great voyage on the Endeavour (1768-1771).

I have a fascination with the characterful “cones”, a fruiting follicle that is hard and woody. This protects the seeds from foraging animals and fire and in many species the follicles will not open until completely dried out or burnt. The banksia cone can remain on the plant for years; the aged banksia “cones” are full of personality and every one is different. These were the inspiration for the famous Australian children’s author May Gibbs and her characters, “the Bad Banksia Men”.

Presently, I am surrounded by many species of banksia, in the Victorian coastal town of Lorne on The Great Ocean Road. This is home for me temporarily but is a wonderful supply of inspiration. 

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Read more about this artist’s work: 16th Annual International