As Chosen By…
Kate Friend
6 May to 18 September 2022
As Chosen By… is an ongoing series that began in 2019.
The process begins with Kate inviting notable creatives and public figures, to select a single flower which is symbolic and meaningful to them; a delicate wild Strawberry for Juergen Teller, a Bishop’s Flower for Amanda Harlech, and Dahlia chosen by Charlie McCormick.
Kate applies the same rigorous approach to each photograph; a single botanical and vessel shot in natural light at the home or studio of a creative individual, revealing the personal connection behind each plant.
The result is a series of portraits of a single painterly flower which are transformed into unique portraits with an undeniable sense of humanity, despite the absence of a physical human presence. “
“The unique alchemy between the human and botanical world in this body of work immediately inspired Milly and me, and resonates with the heart of Thyme. The exhibition will enrich the spirit of the Tithe Barn and is perfect for a Summer of botanical celebration”
Caryn Hibbert, Creative Director and Founder of Thyme
“I have always loved Queen Anne’s lace. I would imagine her cuffs and collars made of delicate lace like the flower heads and dreamt that the fairies danced in lace dresses beneath the hedgerows on a summer’s evening. I couldn’t imagine a garden without them.”
Amanda Harlech on her chosen flower, Bishop’s Flower
Kate’s recent work has focussed on still life. Her style is minimal and considered, with a unique use of colour. She is drawn to stories of identity and to human interpretations of land, sea and plants. Her two Botanical Portrait series were exhibited at the Garden Museum in 2018 and 2021.
Kate shoots exclusively on film, both medium and large format. The final prints are fine art C-types, made using a unique museum-grade printing process, exposing light onto colour paper. The print is then developed and hand-washed using traditional photographic techniques.
Kate Friend
Kate Friend is a British photographer. After some years living in Asia she now lives and works in London. She started creating art when she realized it would take her places.
"I like to feel constant change and movement. When starting new work I look for the times and places in nature where things are at their peak. Everything is cyclical, and within these cycles I am drawn to the moments just before a big change: the crescendo, the pinnacle, the utmost, the blooming.. the moment just before a peak fades into something else."
Kate is known for her photographs of flowers and of seascapes. Her style is minimal and considered, with a unique use of colour. With her Botanical Portraits, each flower is shot on location at a particular garden, or is grown by a chosen gardener. Each resulting photograph is imbued with a sense of place.
She is drawn to stories of identity and to interpretations of land, sea and plants. Kate is inspired by Movement. Ecosystems. The elements of nature. Desolate landscapes. Violent weather.
When asked to describe her art with three words, she replies: minimal, bold and refined.