We are very proud to announce that BASNZ member Tracy Byatt's sculpture 'Dandelion - Taraxicum officinale', was not only accepted into the prestigious UK 2024 SBA Plantae exhibition, but has gone on to win an award. A previous winner of the Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review, Tracy is well known in New Zealand for working in the unusual medium of sugar paste, a medium used to depict plants as far back at the 15th century. For this work she chose cold porcelain "for its resilience".

Tracy reports that "After much hesitation and hovering over the 'send' button, at the eleventh hour I submitted a sculpture of 'Taraxicum officinale' for possible inclusion in this year's SBA 'Plantae 24' on line Exhibition. I was both astonished and thrilled to have it most kindly accepted.

I understand that another BASNZ member also had her painting selected which is wonderful news!

I was advised by the judges that I was also the recipient of the SBA Award for Exhibiting Excellence in Sculpture. I was tremendously honoured by their recognition and humbled by the comments received.

I'd very much like to thank the BASNZ members for their interest, particularly Sandra and Lesley who have been so supportive. The exceptional talent and exacting standards of everyone's work is such an inspiration and my own approach has benefited enormously."

Looking at the extraordinary verisimilitude of Tracy's work, it is clear to see that despite her great humility she really pushes the boundaries of botanical art in the most engaging and inspirational manner. Her success really is is a wonderful example to all of us who try to reflect the natural world in our work and also to push our personal boundaries a little to try for new opportunities further afield.