Carol Sharp

Artist Statement :

There is no real start or finish in nature, its all a process, but since the arrival of the Anthropocene the influence humans have in shaping the process is huge. Plants are the dominant species on the planet being 99.5% of the total mass and we are totally dependant on them for life. But our general perception of them is of inanimate beings.

Over the last 25 years I have become deeply connected with the plant world; while shaping and influencing their lives for my own ends by day in my garden and my studio, I have been at the same time studying the extraordinary secret life of plants.

This has influenced my approach to creating an image, I use different types of perception to not only see the form, but to understand the meaning of the form and to reveal its ‘gesture’. which means having a communion with my subjects and a desire to feel their very life force.

As Goethe writes ‘To approach vital nature requires a different cognitive capacity and cognitive organ from that used to perceive inert nature’

I would go so far as to call myself a vitalist. I connect with the vital force that exists in all living things, an intelligent presence that directs and informs the organism on all levels.

I sugge...

2017 - 10th Julia Margaret Cameron awards for Women photographers : Winner, Nature category

2017 - International Color Awards : Honorable mention in Still Life & Nominee in Abstract categories

2017 – ‘New York Art Week’ group show in Caelum gallery, Chelsea, NYC. Only photographic artist selected.

2016 – Underworld series shown in Retina festival Edinburgh

2015 – Finalist in Association of Photographers Awards –Non-commissioned Environment Series

2015 – Shortlisted - Photovoice Awards, theme of Stories of Reflection

2014 – Best in Category Award, in Association of Photographers Awards –Non-commissioned Single image

2014 – 4 images selected for Association of Photographers online show called Natural

2014 - Shortlisted, ‘Honorary Fellowship Award’ in Nature, Spider Professional International Black and White Awards

2013 – Commended International Garden Photographer of the Year, Beauty of Plants category

2013 – Selected as Pure Arts artist and shown in 1066 gallery in Battle called ‘Gaia’ with 3 other women artists

2013 - Inclusion in Group exhibition at Association of Photographers called Elements

2012 - Finalist, Garden Photographers Association awards, Bountiful Earth category.

2011 - Two image...