First time I took a closer look at the pressed plant art 20 years ago, when during my journey to Latvia in some little town I visited exhibition of paintings, made from plants. It was really sensational for me that artists could make landscapes, portraits and still-lifes from little pieces of leaves and herbs in such a way that from a little distance you could think pictures were made of oil.
Many years I wasn’t recollecting this. But I guess I always was very enraptured with such a great mastery deep down in my soul and in 2006 I had some kind of impulse (I even don’t know what exactly it was - may be it came from above) but it set my thoughts on the right track.
I began to collect information about the technique of drying the plants and about the ways of making those pictures, meanwhile I was collecting and drying autumn leaves (it was autumn at that time). In my city I had no special courses where I could get really important knowledge for me. That’s why my first step was a book “Pressed floristics” by Beletskaya. After I’ve read it I began to paste up my first artwork. Then I found a Russian chat forum of associates in the Internet, where people and artists, rapt in oshibana were sharing their experience with others. I’m really thankful to all people, who supported and inspired me.
I’m truly eager to create beauty by my own hands. During two years I’ve made few pictures - only 8. The only thing I regret - that I haven’t much free time to devote it to my artwork. Because my two children and beloved husband claim a lot of care.
Nevertheless in December 2007 I’ve become a member of one of international organizations devoted to pressed floristics, which united artists from all over the world - World Wide Pressed Flower Guild (WWPFG). In May 2008 I made an on-line class by one of my works for the members of the Guild. I have taken part in competition at the WWPFG conference, which was held in Anaheim, CA in June 2008. Now I plan to participate in pressed plant contest which will take place in Philadelphia in 2009 (Philadelphia Flower Show).
