Steph Hardy’s abstract illustrations tell the secret inner lives of plants

For the illustrator Steph Hardy, nothing is as big of an inspiration than the leafy world of plants. Working both digitally and with analogue, painterly styles, her work is a heady yet deeply satisfying mix, unified by its dedication to depicting the vast and varied beauty of plants.

What Steph most endeavours to transmit throughout her drawings is plants “really living a life”. She uses swift lines and shadow to create a sense of movement, “growing, swaying or chatting”, Steph says. “I love thinking about them communicating with each other and wondering what that would look like, in their own secret natural way.” Moreover, Steph also sources inspiration from learning and reading about other people’s personal connection with plants and nature.

Importantly, Steph also outlines that, while she does reference real plants, she often likes to simplify them. “I love how an abstract form might make you have to look for a little longer,” she says. For plant and art lovers alike, Steph’s work is a dream to spend a quiet, meditative moment with.