Auckland-based photographer Helen Bankers has always been attracted to the natural world. Bankers lives with her husband and daughter in Auckland’s Eastern suburbs. Outside of her magazine and commercial projects, she can be found in her home studio studying flora and fauna:

“I’m inspired by the paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe, and Australian florists such as Saskia Havekes at Grandiflora. I enjoy looking at the fine form and intricacy of flowers and plants”

Bankers’ recent, dark botanical studies reference the still life paintings of the Dutch Old Masters of the 17th century. Having recently re-interpreted these images into prints on cotton velvet, Bankers’ Velvet Underground series adds to their richness with layers of poured resin.