The diversity of anatomy, morphology and life strategies of plants and animals allows them to survive in the most extreme conditions. Observing these phenomena, getting to know them also up close – because many structures show their phenomenon… only under a microscope – inspires painters, sculptors, interior designers, constructors and a huge number of artists from various fields to create unique works. Features, especially those of plants, used as design tools, can create amazing effects. These issues, supported by examples from all over the world, will be the subject of this lecture.

Dr Krystyna Stepczyńska-Szymczak, botanist, ecologist, ethnobotanist. For over 30 years she worked as an assistant professor in the Department of Botany and Ecology at the University of Technology and Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz, conducting classes in botany, ecology and plant geography. Currently, as part of her own project Akademia Natura, she gives lectures and conducts workshops, promoting various faces of botany. Biodiversity, the most powerful force of nature, guarantees such possibilities. The most interesting is her workshops on culinary botany – “Wild Cuisine” – which provide an opportunity to learn about wild edible plants. Also, thematic workshops on the use of plants attractive to bee-keepers for flavouring tinctures, oils, cheeses, etc. No less interest is shown in applied botany which proves that plant biodiversity can be used in numerous areas of life. The anatomy and morphology of plants as artistic botany is reflected in didactic workshops: e.g. “Images Painted with Fruit,” “Images Painted with Flowers,” “Plants – inspiration for artists and constructors.”

The lecture accompanying the exhibition Herbarium novum. Efflorescentiae

11.03.2020, 6pm
20 Gdańska St.