After moving to California in 2011 I began to notice the overwhelming presence of the fennel plant. A simple plant found along the highway, I was taken with its vigor, fragrance and tiny blossoms. As time passed I took a closer look and saw the more beautiful aspect of the plant: death. After the plant flowers these tiny spires are left. My family and I played at Oyster Bay Regional Park and I collected bags of spent fennel flower umbrellas. Once home I placed each with tweezers into a linen-lined board. I was surprised by the unique yet unintentional patterns that emerged.

24” x 24” Fennel umbrellas on linen board