Kerry Ferguson Research Series

Biomimicry: Learning from Nature

Symmetrical mandala-like arrangement of colorful dried flowers inside a circular floral pattern (abstract artwork).

Biomimicry: The Difference Between Copying Nature and Learning From It Kerry Ferguson Essays — The Intelligence of the Natural WorldArt, Botanical Science and Nature-Informed Thought Essay | 2026 Abstract Nature has long influenced art, design and technology through visible form, but resemblance is only one way of learning from living systems. Contemporary biology reveals organismsContinue reading “Biomimicry: Learning from Nature”

Biophilia: Our Relationship with Nature

Red bottlebrush flowers with yellow stamens and green leaves scattered on a light background.

Biophilia: Our Relationship with Nature Is More Than an Aesthetic Kerry Ferguson Essays — The Intelligence of the Natural WorldArt, Botanical Science and Nature-Informed Thought Essay | 2026 Abstract Biophilia is frequently reduced within contemporary design to a recognisable visual language of plants, greenery, timber, natural colour and botanical pattern. These elements can contribute toContinue reading “Biophilia: Our Relationship with Nature”

Seeing Plants

Flat lay of eucalyptus leaves, pale flowers, and red ribbon-like filaments on a white surface; a botanical still life.

Seeing Plants: From Botanical Illustration to Living Systems Kerry Ferguson Essays — The Intelligence of the Natural WorldArt, Botanical Science and Nature-Informed Thought Essay | 2026 Abstract Plants have never been made visible through neutral representation alone. Across different periods, botanical images have selected, isolated, magnified, reconstructed and contextualised plants according to changing systems ofContinue reading “Seeing Plants”

The Intelligence of the Natural World: Art, Science and a Different Way of Seeing

Close-up of dried pink orchid flowers with wispy seed floss on a pale blue background.

Kerry Ferguson Essays — The Intelligence of the Natural WorldArt, Botanical Science and Nature-Informed Thought Essay | 2026 Abstract The natural world can be encountered as visible form, but appearance is only one dimension of what can be perceived. Scientific knowledge reveals processes, histories and relationships that may be concealed beneath familiar surfaces, while artisticContinue reading “The Intelligence of the Natural World: Art, Science and a Different Way of Seeing”