Note: A selection of the images from this project are available to purchase as a limited edition greeting card or a piece of wall art.

Flowers have a function beyond their purpose as an overlooked ornament in the living room or disposable gift for celebrations and special occasions.

Mental health awareness is constantly evolving and is a topic which is constantly opening up conversations about daily life, trials and tribulations across western society. Flowers are seen as a tool for many in their journey to continued physical and psychological wellness. 

Studies have consistently shown that the presence of flowers in one’s environment can significantly reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and improve overall mood. 

This is not just a superficial effect; the impact of the flowers on our mental health is deeply rooted in our biology. 

The different hues of flowers have been found to evoke varying emotional responses. Blue flowers tend to indicate feelings of calm and serenity, while the vibrant yellow, for example a bouquet of yellow flowers, can boost energy and positivity. This connection between flower colours and emotions adds another layer to their therapeutic potential. 

The amount of healthcare environments which exhibit images of flowers on the walls of their corridors and in the offices of their healthcare practitioners is on the increase. 

In 2020 a study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology in the U.S. found patients who viewed flower images had reduced negative emotions, blood pressure levels and cortisol release. 

Studies in the U.S. continue to unearth and legitimise the therapeutic benefits of seeing and experiencing plant life, whether first hand in the form of bouquets or indoor gardening, or through viewing a picture of a flower whilst waiting in a waiting room before an appointment.

The purpose of the images is to explore the innate human desire to connect with the natural world and tap into the functionality of the flower as a form of therapeutic intervention through a minimalist visual language, placing emphasis on colour, shape and variety of each flower in each picture.

The pictures aim to normalise conversations about mental health on a professional and personal level, to bridge the gap between old-fashioned attitudes and contemporary approaches to dealing with and approaching mental health in western societies today.

The project signifies an evolution of my photography practice, moving away from producing standalone stills only, to incorporating graphic design elements to develop a minimalist style of visual communication.

The project offers a blended approach towards visual language, combining fine art, minimalism, and graphic design principles

to create a thought-provoking insight into the therapeutic purpose of a flower in society today.