Botanical Tyranny, 68 pages, color, is a book of original drawings by Jane Rainwater. Botanical Tyranny features "beautiful flowers," insects and Memento Mori. When looked at closely, the flowers are made of weapons, bomb, swords, guns, etc. People are often attracted to the aesthetics of an image or object that stimulates desire. Decorative objects are collected and exhibited in the home as status symbols of affluence and refinement. My work engages the viewer with its seemingly innocent decorative delight; yet upon closer examination the work challenges and questions our attraction by revealing darker truths. My drawings, diagrams, mixed media installations, sculpture and prints explore the paradox of “horrible beauty,” illuminating my concerns regarding the environment, wealth, greed, violence and cultural tradition.

