When did you begin work on this exhibition?

Drawings of flowers have been a part of my work forever. All of my painting work is done in the studio, though I draw and use inks outdoors. The initial painting in the current series was done about five years ago when I was given a gift of a plant, a hydrangea.

The ceramic vases are also an interesting part of the paintings …

I have been making ceramics on the side for years but when I was working on the flower paintings, the need to make ceramics became more urgent and more focused. They inspired me in three main ways. Firslty, the tactile, sensual nature of clay made me braver with paint. Secondly, familiarity with making and designing new vase shapes gave me the courage to redesign vases in the paintings according to the painting’s needs. And finally, asking the question, “Flower, Sweet Pea, Zinnia, what kind of vase would you like to have today?” inspired many imaginings and ideas.

You published a complementary book after the second lockdown Flowers: The Book …

The book is something in its own right, made for others, made to communicate my dedication to the creative process to others. There is a didactic, not-so-hidden message here, “Draw more, and ye shall move forward!” Hopefully it will inspire makers to make and those who wish to know more about the creative process to understand more deeply the behind the scenes work that goes into a group of finished paintings.

The exhibition also incorporates your sketchbooks – how has your work and painting evolved would you say?

The evolution of the work has gone from single studies of flowers, to flowers in context, to the more abstract “Black Drawings” which include words and numbers. These drawings lean toward magical alchemical equations. Some of the paintings are more austerely observed, and some more playful and wild, incorporating collage, as in “Zoot Tulips”.

Do you have any favourite paintings from the exhibition?

My favourites change. Just now I am beguiled by “Big Blue”, the most recent painting. I love living with “With Crow” as it tells an unfolding story. And I am so happy to finally see “Zoot Tulips” in a good space!

Need to Know: “Flowers: The Project by Katherine Boucher Beug” is at Lavit Gallery, Wandesford Quay, Clarke’s Bridge, Cork until July 17; www.lavitgallery.com.