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If Tomatoes Could Talk

If Tomatoes Could Talk

If Tomatoes Could Talk

6 Jun 2025

How can a single scent transport us across decades?

This is the question at the heart of "The Tomato House," a groundbreaking exhibition from Victoria (Vix) Marsland, a Make Happen Masters in Creative Practice student who began her journey in January 2025. Vix's creative endeavour, Heartseedling, explores the profound reasons that inspire people to grow food. For her, nurturing seeds has always been more than cultivation… it's an exploration of self, heritage, and connection, sparked by a powerful sensory memory. "The scent of tomatoes is an instant time machine," Vix shares. "It transports me to my grandfather's greenhouse in the 1980s… the warmth on my face, that unmistakeable fragrance. It's a visceral reminder of how deeply our senses connect us to our past." This personal revelation became the foundation for her major project, demonstrating the Make Happen principle that authentic creativity springs from our unique experiences. Rather than waiting for the "perfect" concept, Vix followed the method's emphasis on taking action… transforming a childhood memory into an immersive, multi-sensory exhibition. "The Tomato House" embodies the Make Happen manifesto's call to "Show Your Work." Visitors will experience the authentic aroma of tomatoes while engaging with tactile art pieces and captivating "Heirloom Stories." The centerpiece, "The BIG Tomato: A Living Canvas," invites visitors to contribute their own growing narratives directly to the installation… a perfect example of creating dialogue rather than monologue. Vix's journey from student to exhibitor illustrates how the Make Happen approach transforms creative potential into tangible impact. By embracing discomfort, challenging norms around traditional exhibition formats, and focusing on authentic connection rather than perfection, she's created something genuinely remarkable. Exhibition Details: "The Tomato House" runs Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th September 2025 at Patch, The Old Library Building, High Wycombe. Website with specific exhibition times and admission details will be released soon. This is what happens when creativity meets courage—and when students stop planning and start making happen.