Plants that Heal
An exhibition by Kate Hajducka
This exhibition of ‘plants that heal’ has grown out of doing the ‘100 Days Project’ which I participated in during lockdown. The ‘100 Days Project’ was a commitment to repeat a simple creative act every day for 100 days and share the results on social media.
“During this time I was a full time carer for my husband. He received care and treatment at the Western General Hospital, the Maggies Centre and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, as well as end of life care at St Columba’s. I came to know these buildings very well!
“I have always been drawn to the beauty of plants, especially herbs and wildflowers, and some that might be passed by as ‘weeds’. I also like their common and local names, that sometimes give clues to their medicinal uses.
“The definition of ‘healing’ is broad. Here it includes plants that modern pharmaceuticals derive from such as foxglove, and plants traditionally used as remedies, such as calendula. It also includes plants grown to nourish the earth, and in the case of the bluebell, purely for the healing power of colour. Through my work as a nurse and midwife I have always been aware of the many forms that healing can take.
“Most of the plants were growing within a mile of my Edinburgh home, and as lockdown eased, further afield along the coasts of Fife and East Lothian. Walking the dog was a chance to locate plants. I would return with my watercolours and camping stool to paint them.
Kate Hajducka“During a challenging time, this daily ritual gave me focus and solace.”
About Kate Hajducka
Kate Hajducka is an Edinburgh based artist with an enduring interest in botanical subjects. She trained and worked as an illustrator in Brighton, and as an art therapist in Edinburgh. She has recently concentrated on her painting practice through courses at Leith School of Art.
Kate exhibits her work regularly, taking part in Open Studio events at her studio in Coburg House, Edinburgh, and the East Neuk Open Studios in Fife.
Plants that Heal: Tonic Collection
Our Tonic Collection plays an important role in the improved health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors.
Our diverse Collection currently contains over 2,750 artworks which are displayed across over 40 NHS Lothian sites. The collection comprises artworks which have been commissioned, purchased and gifted. Tonic Arts is committed to improving the quality and diversity of the collection, making it accessible to all and ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The Tonic Collection has long recognised the positive benefits botanical artworks can bring to a clinical setting. They can aid the mental and physical healing process by reducing stress, lifting spirits and creating a more holistic healing environment for all. You will find botanical inspired art on display across many NHS Lothian sites, to view and enjoy.
As part of the ‘Healing Plants’ exhibition we have selected a variety of Collection works to complement the beautiful artworks by Kate Hajducka.
