“Coming just in time for spring, Drawn In: An Illustrated Garden Tour is the first book for Mississauga visual artist Alison Syer. Born into a family of English gardeners, Syer developed a love of gardens and nature early on. Through her botanical-style illustrations, accompanied by personal stories and observations, she leads the reader on a tour of her English-style garden. Equally important, Drawn In highlights the artwork, which brings the story to life.
Her sensitive botanical-style illustrations reflect this English aesthetic, blending it with a modern appreciation for Canadian native plants – some of which are included in her garden. Each page journals her experiences – how well (or poorly!) the various plants grew in her garden, growing requirements, personal favourites, and more. Pause and engage all your senses in the garden experience – observing colours and textures, noting sounds and scents, tasting homegrown produce and more.
An avid birdwatcher, Syer has also been inspired by the wide variety of birds and other wildlife using the garden as habitat. Drawn In emphasizes the value of gardening, and of art, and the role they play in conservation; while illustrating the diversity of plant varieties, and how a garden can be in itself a habitat for wildlife – and a sanctuary for its owner.
Syer was awarded a Matchmaker Microgrant from the Mississauga Arts Council to aid in the production of this book.
Drawn In is Coming Soon! Release is expected just in time for spring – early April 2022, with launch and events throughout the year to follow. It will be available online through FriesenPress, at https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000205298647/Alison-Syer-Drawn-In in hardcover, softcover and e-book formats.
Alison Syer graduated with Honours from Sheridan College in 2010, having earned an Advanced Diploma of Applied Arts (Crafts and Design – Fabrics). In 2013, she received an honourable mention for her work in textiles at the Mississauga Arts Council’s MARTY Awards. Her other projects include the strawberry-farming themed design for one of the Mississauga Arts Council “Banners and Boxes” vinyl-wrapped utility boxes and accompanying banners. Syer is a member of Cloverleaf Garden Club, Arts on the Credit, Visual Arts Mississauga, and Mississauga Arts Council.”
