Banksia is a genus of about 75 species in the Protea family (Proteaceae). The first Banksia serrata was named by Sir Joseph Banks whilst travelling with Captain James Cook on the Endeavour.
My attraction to the Banksia stems from the strong architectural lines of the branches and foliage, the shape and distinguishing markings along the edge of the leaves and in particular the structure of the flower. The challenge to recreate these unusual flowers in their different stages of development was the motivation to produce these images.
Hessian was chosen as a background because it suggested the texture of the dried flowers around the nuts. I believe the rough earthy surface of the hessian compliments the flowers as they lose their brilliance, become course, dull and hairy with exposed seed capsules emerging from the central cone.