Item 2023.002.04 - Monarda Fistulosa

Paintings are done in the watercolour painting technique. Watercolour is a technique where dry pigment is mixed with a binder (usually gum arabic), then with water and applied with a brush. When the water dries, it is the binder that sticks the pigment to the paper.

Artist Courtney Carstens is particularly drawn to nature and botanicals. Her paintings beautifully capture the details and colours of the natural world, and she frequently experiments with new techniques that push the boundaries of her craft. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Courtney is also a certified permaculture teacher, having studied the principles of sustainable living and organic gardening.

Permaculture emphasizes the importance of using organic, sustainable methods of gardening and farming, and incorporates ideas such as biodiversity, soil health, and natural systems of pest control. In Ontario, permaculture is especially important when it comes to the cultivation of native plants and flowers. By planting and preserving these species, we can create a more balanced ecosystem, and help to maintain the delicate relationships between plants and their pollinators. Ontario is home to a diverse array of native plants and flowers, which all play important roles in the health and vitality of local ecosystems.

Monarda Fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties, often used in Indigenous medicine for digestive and respiratory ailments. Its scented leaves can be used in tea and perfumes.