Beatrice Stewart

Ireland

Are we willing to gamble on a future with uncontrolled genetically modified plants and seeds?

Ireland is unique. Because of our mild climate we have a wide range of plants which have, for centuries, been gathered from the natural habitats of many different parts of the world. Although horticulturists worked very hard to preserve these in their original form, they are also involved in the development of different strains by cross and selective breeding processes. This had led to the wide range of fruits, vegetables and flowers which we can buy in our local supermarkets at very reasonable prices. Further development of the breeding process has led to genetic engineering and cloning. As with every new scientific development, this poses many questions. We want to retain our natural world as it is, but also want access to cheap copies for our gardens and food requirements. Where is the line to be drawn and who is going to draw it?

I like to work through a variety of mediums. Usually the process starts with drawing and photographic research, then progresses into clay to explore the three-dimensional aspect before settling on the medium in which to present the work. Most of my pieces go through several drastic changes in form, and the final resolution is always a total surprise to me.

(Text: on the border of each other catalogue, 2003)