The nature of nature : an exploration of botanical themes, growth patterns and ornamental traditions, and the operation of metaphor and visual interpretations of life and growth as a means to abstraction in painting

The presentation of this Master of Philosophy thesis consists of studio practice-led research in the form of an exhibition of paintings at the School of Art Gallery from 16 March-1 April 2011, an exegesis giving a full account of the nature and development of the research undertaken during the course of the study, and two coursework components undertaken in the first year. The work explores botanical themes, growth patterns and ornamental traditions, and the operation of metaphor and visual interpretations of life and growth as a means to abstraction in painting