Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) is delighted to announce the upcoming Artist-in-Residence exhibition, ‘Soil and Art, The Roots of Life’, featuring innovative artist David St Maur Sheil. The exhibition will be held in the Art House in KFBG, starting from 16 November. Group workshops on soil pigment creation will also be available for registration, providing a unique opportunity for participants to explore the beauty of soil through art while raising awareness about its importance in our lives.

“Being a soil artist is a powerful way to raise awareness of soil, something we all rely on but rarely think about. Finding soil close to where I am painting, and turning it into the paint, creates a close and deep connection between myself and the environment,” says David.

Celebrating the Third Artist of AiR in 2023

David St Maur Sheil, a passionate artist with a deep interest in sustainable soil practices, has gained recognition for his remarkable talent in transforming natural soils into stunning artworks. Beyond his artistic pursuits, David is an advocate for sustainable soil and a consultant on composting techniques, drawing from his extensive experience in organic farming, biodynamic gardening and permaculture. He splits his time between Hong Kong and East Sussex, UK, continuously creating breathtaking artworks that captivate and inspire. His work stands as testament to the beauty and resilience of the earth while serving as a resounding call to action for all of us to take responsibility for the future of our planet.

As an artist living in the Lam Tsuen Valley, adjacent to KFBG, David meticulously breaks down soil into its intricate components, including stones, grit, sand, crystals, organic matter, clays and dust. With his masterful touch, he reassembles these elements into striking art pieces that not only showcase the beauty and texture of the earth but also highlight its extraordinary diversity.

Committed to sustainable practices, David approaches the collection of soil with care, taking minimal amounts and leaving no disturbance or visual signs during the foraging process. This conscientious approach ensures minimal impact on the environment and preserves the natural landscape. Furthermore, David meticulously records and remembers the exact origins of each coloured soil he uses, creating a pigment library that becomes a journey across local landscapes. By maintaining this record, David deepens the connection between his artwork and specific places, inviting viewers to appreciate and protect the soil from which the pigments originate. ‘The dominant colour here in Kadoorie seems to be deep orange, while the soil of farmland in Lam Tsuen Valley is more brown. My paintings of Lam Tsuen are mainly yellow or golden, however those of Kadoorie may look more like Mars,’ David says.

Exploring the Beauty and Intricacies of Soil through Three Stages of Art Creations

David St Maur Sheil's art creations encompass various stages and themes, each showcasing the beauty and intricacies of soil. His abstract pieces incorporate all elements found within soil onto the canvas, offering a tactile and visually captivating experience. In landscape-themed paintings, David uses soil foraged from specific landscapes, turning the artwork into literal embodiments of the land. Nature-themed artworks celebrate the infinite variety found in the natural world. Through his soil art, David emphasises the profound connection to the land and urges viewers to appreciate and protect the soil that sustains us all.

Interactive Soil Painting Workshop

In conjunction with the exhibition, ‘Soil and Art: Soil Painting Experience Workshop’ will be led by David St Maur Sheil. This interactive workshop offers participants a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on soil painting. Through a series of modules, including soil examination, compost building, and the production of paint from soils, attendees will not only gain a deeper understanding of the ecological importance of soil but also take part in a creative and collaborative painting exercise. The workshops on 24 and 25 November reached full registration soon after the launch. However, interested groups can still participate by making a group booking on a designated date of their choice.

Since its launch in 2004, the Artist-in-Residence Program at KFBG has consistently aimed to foster unity and evoke our inherent connection with nature through art. Our goal is to make art more accessible to the public while raising awareness of the harmonious beauty that exists between art, people and nature. By bringing together artists and the community, we seek to create a meaningful and enriching experience that celebrates the profound relationship between art and the natural world.

Event Details:

‘Soil and Art, The Roots of Life’ Soil Painting Exhibition by David St Maur Sheil

Venue:                Art House, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Date:                   16 November  – 14 December 2023 (please refer to the website for details)

Time:                   9:30am - 4:30pm

Website:             https://bit.ly/46hnRkC

Soil and Art: Soil Painting Experience Workshop

Venue:                Sunshine Hall, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Date:                   Parents and children course: 25 November, 2023 (Sat)

Adult course: 24 November, 2023 (Fri)

Group (10-20 people): Custom Date

Time:                   10:00am-12:30noon

Website:             https://bit.ly/479yuGr

About Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG)

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) is spread over 148 hectares of land on the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest mountain, near the town of Tai Po. Formerly known as the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association (KAAA), established in 1956, it gradually transformed in the later period to focus on science-based species conservation and ecosystem restoration, and has become a precious conserved area where the public can experience and connect to nature. On the slopes, there are live animal displays areas, theme gardens, terraced farms, and conservation and educational facilities. Through nature conservation, diverse and holistic education, and sustainable living projects, we try to harmonise our relationship with the environment and live sustainably with respect for each other and nature.

About David St Maur Sheil

David St Maur Sheil is a visual artist renowned for his stunning artworks created using natural soils. With a background in organic farming, biodynamic gardening, and permaculture, he combines his artistic talent with a deep commitment to sustainable soil practices. David's work has been exhibited extensively in the UK, and he is a member of the Sussex Arts Collective. His art serves as a powerful tool to explore the healing potential of our connection to the earth and raise awareness about the beauty and importance of soil.