The Strength in Bloom Collection is a body of work created as part of a collaborative community project with Sidh C Art and Caitlin Mackay. This project, The Carnival of Plants, saw four local artists partnered with individuals willing to share their lived experiences of different health conditions through art and conversation.
For this collection, I was partnered with Caitlin Mackay, who shared her experience living with Anorexia Nervosa. Through a series of conversations, we explored symbols, plants and wildlife that reflected her journey — themes of endurance, recovery, resilience, nourishment and hope became central to the final design.
The pattern is layered with meaningful imagery woven carefully throughout the artwork. Lavender represents calmness and emotional wellbeing, while oats symbolise nourishment, sustenance and resilience. The rare Small Blue Butterfly, found in Caithness, reflects transformation, growth and recovery. Rosebay Willowherb — often called fireweed or bombweed — became a symbol of regeneration and hope after appearing across landscapes destroyed during World War II. Spear thistle, Scotland’s national emblem, represents bravery, protection and defiance, while the Common Rock Rose symbolises strength and endurance.
Hidden within the design are small drawings of Harvey’s paw print, inspired by Caitlin’s French Bulldog who is a rescue from Ukraine. His pawprints are disguised amongst the wildflowers as a celebration of companionship, comfort and love. The collection also incorporates the NEDA symbol — created by the National Eating Disorders Association — representing hope, strength and recovery.
A variety of Bees move throughout the pattern as symbols of persistence, and the manifestation of dreams through endurance. The bee also holds local significance as the emblem of Highland mental health charity Mikeysline, and profits from sales within this collection will support their work.
Strength in Bloom is ultimately a celebration of the quiet strength that can exist alongside vulnerability and honours the importance of compassionate conversations around mental health.
