Laura Ribbons’ work explores our relationship with plants from many different perspectives. She considers the ways in which we connect and coexist with them in the context of the climate crisis. How plants alter our experience of place is also a crucial element of her focus.
Her practice asks what we can learn from other species and how we locate points of connection across human and non-human communities.
Finding solace and resolution in nature
Ribbons’ work celebrates the strength, resilience and mythology of plants, representing a desire to find solace and resolution in nature. ‘I am fascinated by plants, how we live with them, what they can teach us, and the ecological and psychological benefits that can be derived from living with them.’
Her practice constitutes a continued dialogue around ideas of survival, hope and well-being. As a socially-engaged practitioner, Laura Ribbons is inspired by the idea that art has the power to start difficult conversations.
Plants make places
Laura’s most ambitious project to date, ‘Plants Make Places’ was generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England It has involved working in partnership with the local community in Hastings. The resulting 5 b month long collaborative exhibition at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, explores how art can highlight the ongoing climate crisis. ‘Plants Make Places’ invites visitors to think about their relationship with plants and discover how they shape not only our ecological survival but also our sense of place, identity, and belonging. The exhibition encourages us to see nature as both a source of refuge and creative inspiration.
Laura Ribbons (b.1990) is an artist, curator, facilitator and environmentalist. She graduated from Wimbledon College of Art in 2012 with a BA honours degree in Fine Art (Painting), she also holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Anthropology from the University of Kent, 2016. Laura has worked with institutions including Towner Eastbourne, Pallant House Gallery and Watts Gallery-Artist Village. She has exhibited across the UK and internationally, including in Spain, where she lived from 2018-2019. She has a number of works in private collections.
