Ben Beeton & Mali Moir ANBG Artist Research Project Proposal

In 2019 I undertook a project at the gardens which brainstormed ideas for possible displays at ANBG . I delivered the following page of concepts and in the process donated a work to the ANBG collection.

link:https://sciart.com.au/australian-botanic-gardens/
password: ABG

I wish to continue my association with the ANBG however following the fires, the hail storm and now Covid-19 ANBG does not currently have the capacity to support extra projects due to all staff being fully allocated on other priorities and major projects. Therefore, with scientific illustrator Mali Moir I am proposing an independent artist research project that;

does not require a wage
does not require office space
does not require input from staff

We are happy to provide a public talk to the friends if requested

It would be beneficial to us to receive a brief letter of support from the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

Process: This project will expand an understanding of how the regional ecology and geology of Mulligans Flat is connected to other natural systems around Australia through the collection at the Australian National Botanic Gardens and the Australian National Rock Garden.

At Mulligans Flat we will familiarise ourselves with the component species of the ecosystem. We will then research other Australian species that the Mulligans Flat species share common ancestors with and then seek these species out at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Through this process we will demonstrate the benefits of the gardens as a resource tool. We will familiarise ourselves with the geology of Mulligans Flat and then learn about the broader geological framework at the National Rock Garden.

Outcome: The project created through the residency will be displayed on the sciart website https://sciart.com.au/projects/

The artwork created through the residency project will:

Highlight the conservation program at Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Highlight the conservation program at Mulligans Flat.
Explore the deep time connections between species found at Mulligans Flat and other species from around Australia.
Explore the geological history of Mulligans Flat in connection with the rest of Australia.

This project has the support of the chair of the Australian National Rock Garden, Professor Brad Pillans and the Education and Outreach Co-ordinator at Mulligans Flat Mr Andrew O’Meara.

Our proposed commencement date on the 15th of September and concluding on the 31st of December will be in accordance with Covid19 restrictions.

Below is an account of each artists background

Ben Beeton – Artist Statement / Bio

Ben Beeton – I have completed over 35 artist residency/projects around Australia and abroad looking at the ecology, geology and deep time history of natural systems and promoting ecotourism. Former residencies include Voyages Resorts Uluru, El Nido Resorts, Alice Springs Desert Park, The Valley of the Giants, Broome Bird Observatory, Naracoorte Caves, Brisbane Eco-Sciences Precinct and many others. I am working in partnership with ANU in the development of a range of science communication tools for teaching and public displays focusing on ecological restoration management and deep time awareness.

Gondwana in Toowoomba, part of the collection of the Australian National Botanic Gardens

My interactive website SciArt has been used in conjunction with National Parks, ecotourism businesses and schools.

The sciart interactive can be access via any touch screen as a way of learning about natural environments through art.

I have presented many public talks where I discuss the different artist residency projects which I have completed. The talk below was given during National Science Week in Melbourne.

Artist for the Burke and Wills Environmental Expedition lead by historian Dr Johnathan King. Patrons – Culture Victoria, the Royal Society of Victoria, actor Jack Thompson.

Mali Moir – Artist Statement / Bio

Mali Moir began her career as botanical artist at the National Herbarium of Victoria. Combining botanical and horticultural knowledge with artistic skills Mali has contributed pen & ink drawings for Flora of Victoria, Flora of Australia, Muelleria and other scientific publications. By working closely with botanists, she has gained an understanding of the importance of scientific accuracy, the fundamentals of precise measurement and thorough depiction of detail. Mali has field experience as expedition artist in Australia and overseas. Exhibiting for over 25 years in Australia and internationally Mali has produced many works for private, public and corporate collections.

Mali has a keen interest for artistic interpretation of natural history themes in the Accurate Realism style. She approaches her work with traditional techniques whilst developing a fresh contemporary look. With a special interest in the areas of conservation and species documentation Mali executes works on paper with the consummate skill of a dedicated artist as she combines her fascination for science and nature with an active desire to render works of art with beauty, character and scientific integrity.