‘Practice’ was developed during a residency project with Norwich University of the Arts and the John Innes Centre Archive Collections.

Ruby chose to focus on the collections of botanical illustrations the John Innes Centre homes, and exploring how plants were once used for their medicinal and magical properties.
She was interested in the relationship between plant illustration and studies, and magic; thinking of studying plants for their medicinal uses evoked ideas around magic, alters, and women’s place within this world of medicine, and botanical art.

‘Practice’ was a mini installation, creating an alter of plant study; it featured different craft items Ruby had made, a crochet doiley, and an alter cloth; along with collected items like stones, a trinket box that Ruby was gifted, and spell jars created with found objects. Each object was selected for its meaning to Ruby, whether it has been in her possession for a long time, or gifted to her, each item held some connection to Ruby’s being. To complete the alter, Ruby created a hand made herbal book - focusing on plants for their magical properties, or meaning to Ruby. Plants were sketched onto the pages and accompanies with notes on their uses or meanings to Ruby.

‘Practice’ was on display as part of ‘Art & Science’ which showcased the works of the students who were involved in this residency, and some items from the collection which the group had selected for display.