Cell Division

Artist Statement:

'Cell Division' was inspired by Jean Purdy, a British nurse and embryologist who was integral to the development of IVF but who wasn't recognised for her valuable contribution until 2010, well after her death. 

Jean was the first person to ever see the dividing cells of a fertilised egg. The doubling of the irises in this piece are to represent this cell division. 

The subject felt so timely as I began this piece in conjunction with starting my own IVF cycle after 4 losses in 2 years. I am happy to announce this cycle was indeed successful, and am grateful for all the brilliant minds who have contributed to this incredible treatment. 

I often use pomegranates to represent female fertility/ the ovaries in particular and I wanted to include pollinators such as bees and birds to suggest fertilisation, and new life. 

Her stoic expression for me is how women attempt to appear strong in the face of fertility challenges, and the incredible sacrifices we make in our attempts at motherhood. 

In my work I often start by drawing the face in graphite and then sealing the panel with clear layers before working in oils around it, so the the tone of the skin shown is actually the wood grain of the panel.

Dimensions: 300mm (w) x 300mm (h)

Year: 2025

Medium: Graphite and oil on cradled birch panel