Auckland artist Erin Forsyth’s beautiful works draw attention to the native flora and fauna around us. Her love of nature started early, from looking for fairies and treasure hunting in the garden with her mother to experiencing vivid colours at her nana’s florist shop. Her granddad had a pet shop, so her interest in flora and fauna was nurtured from a young age.
Whenever she’s out, Erin will stop to look at plants and tries to identify them. Erin says each area within Aotearoa has its own unique flora and fauna, and people who relate to it. Due to the shape and location of the country, we have grasslands, wetlands and estuaries with a number of endemic species. The artist, who has always loved everything about New Zealand’s native ngahere, will travel to specific locations to see particular plants in their natural habitats.
Erin’s works are held in public collections at the Beehive, Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, Puke Ariki Museum, Auckland Council and in murals on city streets around Aotearoa.
Below, read our Q&A with Erin to learn more about her creative journey and work.
Tell us a bit about your creative journey so far.
Like many artists, my development as a creative has not been a journey from A-Z but a collection of experiences that have helped me to continue to discover new directions of exploration.
What made you fall in love with Aotearoa’s flora and fauna?
One of my childhood houses was down a long driveway joining onto native bush in the backyard. There was a glow-worm cave and quite a large, unkempt garden on the section from previous owners. Sometimes, my mother would hide small plastic toys inside flowers and we would go to look for the fairies. On one of these occasions, I did not find the toy, but encountered a magical-looking plant. I know now it was a green hood orchid of some kind. Similar experiences colour my childhood, along with time in my grandma’s florist shop. It’s impossible not to love, if you look closely.
What do you love about botanical drawing?
Botanical illustration has a rich history spanning all continents. Participating in this artform is like being in conversation across space and time. It is a way to share appreciation for life, often overlooked or underappreciated. The simple fact that a human has taken the time to draw or paint something communicates a sense of value to others who might see it. We have co-evolved with plants and it just feels right to honour them.
You must be the master of taking reference photos. For your botanical drawings, do you spend a lot of time creating outdoors?
My photography isn’t the best. I mainly just use my phone to capture new environments and will photograph things that take my attention. More and more frequently, I try to travel to specific locations to see particular plants in habitats. We have a very patchwork ecology in Aotearoa, unique ecological zones spread out in such a way that they are often referred to as ‘islands’.
How did you get into painting murals?
I started painting graffiti in the late ’90s. It was a free and accessible way to make really big paintings and meet other self-taught artists. I think, in 2001, I had my first commissioned mural painting, some signage for my friend’s store Nu on Karangahape Road. The same location was once Virus Clothing, and before that, it was an adult club of some infamy.
You mostly paint murals with just brushes. What do you like about the process?
Yes, I only really use brushes in my mural work. It gives me greater control to create the types of marks and blending of colour that delights me. I like being able to contrast hard edges and soft textures. If I’m not painting murals, I am using brushes in the studio, so it feels like a natural extension. Painting large murals requires whole-body concentration and gesture; it is the physical embodiment of what is normally contained in tiny gestures.
Do you have a favourite animal to draw?
I enjoy painting all animals, really. Particularly eyes and textures. All the smaller forms there are to study within a subject is the thing that makes it interesting and continuously varied work. If I can show ecological relationships, habitats or behaviours, even better.
What do you hope people take from your work?
I hope my work transfers a little sense of wonder and curiosity about their environment and the life forms they share it with.
How can our readers find you and your work?
If readers would like to find me, they can visit my website www.erinforsyth.com, or on Instagram under my name @erin_forsyth
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