#LeafSpirit
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Autumn Leaf Spirit #ShareMondays2026

An #in-camera #multipleexposure of my favourite #sculpture at #KewGardens, #LeafSpirit, by #SimonGudgeon 🍁🍂 She’s incredibly calming 😊 More info in #ALT! @rbgkew.bsky.social #nature #trees #autumn #acer #art #mindfulness
This artwork is a surreal, in-camera multiple exposure photograph featuring a human face layered with autumn leaves and natural foliage. The sculpture, Leaf Spirit, is a striking figurative sculpture by British artist Simon Gudgeon and was installed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in 2018 after appearing at the RHS Chelsea Show the previous year. I instantly felt very connected to her. The sculpture can be found positioned near the edge of the Woodland Garden and close to the Princess of Wales Conservatory as part of the Kew Art and Architecture Trail. A unique human-like face and mask formed out of overlapping leaf shapes, designed to evoke calm, mindfulness, and a deep connection to nature. Last week I used multiple exposure to add some autumnal colours from a scarlet maple (Acer rubrum), that was planted as a memorial to Princess Diana. The foliage is in the middle of its autumnal colour change with yellows, oranges and red tones. Leaf Spirit herself was designed with Norwegian maple leaves that gradually break further apart at her edges to allow the sculpture to blend into the woodlands where she is situated. Here’s a description for those with visual impairments: A stylised, ethereal face occupies the entire frame, seen from a straight-on perspective. The facial features—closed eyes, a soft nose bridge, and relaxed lips—appear integrated or layered beneath a textured surface. The image is heavily layered with textures resembling leaves, and faint, skeleton leaf veins. These create a subtle, cracked mosaic pattern running across the top and sides. Warm tones dominate the centre, featuring vibrant shades of golden yellow, orange, and amber. The edges and lower portions transition into darker greens, deep teals, and muted browns, creating a vignetted frame. A bright, diffuse glow emanates from the centre of the face, illuminating the forehead and nose area, while the outer boundaries fade into soft shadow.
November 2, 2026 at 11:04 PM