Rachel Dein

Botanical sculptor

©Gerard Wiseman

©Andrew Montgomery

©Daniel Gould

Botanicals cast in clay and time

Rachel captures ephemeral and delicate plants in clay and plaster
Her casts are like age-old fossils
She often works in collaboration with interior designers

Rachel Dein is a preserver: through her art form, she has mastered the innovative technique of botanical bas-relief, in which flowers and plants are cast in plaster. The plants are arranged, pressed into clay, removed and then plaster is poured on top. The technique captures the texture, pattern, and delicacy of plants in fine detail: the curve of a stem or the filigree of veins on a leaf. The results are beautiful plaques, or small tiles with imprints and castings. Rachel also works on large-scale projects with interior designers, such as a three-dimensional mural extending the full length of an indoor swimming pool, echoing the garden plants outside the windows. Rachel eschews creating patterns with the plants to ensure each composition is faithful to reality and as nature intended. Her next project will be to immortalise an entire year in her own book.

Interview

©Andrew Montgomery

©Daniel Gould

What are the ‘ingredients’ for a successful cast?: Firstly, preparation. The clay must be as flat and smooth as possible. Then, composition. It is important to leave enough space around the plants. Finally, spending time on the finishing stage by sanding and cleaning.
What are your favourite botanicals to work with?: I particularly like spring flowers with their delicate, spirit-of-the-woods feel to them. They are so fresh, and embody the first signs of life after winter. I also like working with climbing plants such as clematis, wild flowers, weeds and grasses.
How do commercial projects differ from other projects?: The challenges are not always that different. What is interesting about commercial projects is collaborating with the interior designers and contractors. I enjoy the opportunity to make work on a bigger scale and budget.
How do you draw the line between natural and stylised?: I prefer to imitate nature so I try to keep the composition natural, the way you might see plants growing in their natural habitat. I do not like creating patterns with the plants.

Rachel Dein is a master artisan: she began her career in 1991 and she started teaching in 2014