Soils, Seeds and Spouts : Tropical and Temperate
This exhibit engages the public on multiple levels teaching important concepts and interfaces of art, nature, science and conservation. It also educates about exciting collaborations between artists and scientists as much of this work was inspired by this, including my 2016 Artist Residency with Project Amazonas at their Forest Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon and other expeditions I have participated on such as the Rio Pastaza AQUA RAP with the Field Museum and Conservation International as well as Andes to Amazon Biodivirsty Expedition to the Peruvian Amazon. Visitors learned about expeditions from a series of mono types that celebrate scientists at work in the field, clearing trails, setting a butterfly trap, ichthyologists pulling a net form the Rio Pastaza as well as the larger ecosystems.
My series of bronze reliefs depicting soil microorganisms , originally commissioned by Openlands were also included as were numerous other works. This show will be traveling to other venues.
Please contact Sharon for availability.
Seed Rain: Seed Bank
Earth Stars: Above and Below
Certain species of earth stars, such as geastrum floriform are hygroscopic meaning they react to moisture levels and in very dry weather the rays close over the round spore sac.
Certain species of earth stars, such as geastrum floriform are hygroscopic meaning they react to moisture levels and in very dry weather the rays close over the round spore sac. I first learned about Earth Stars in Dr V. J. Staneks 1955 book Beauty in Nature which had a mysterious insert, complete with illustrations stating ; "The author is now writing a scientific study of earth stars and would be grateful for any consignment of dried or even crumpled specimens." This fascination began over 30 years ago and I have been exploring earth star forms in bronze , glass and ceramic ever since.
Rainforest Biophilia - ceramic and live plants, Germinating Brain, Ceramic and Bronze an Brain Seedling, Cast Crystal and Bronze
Ceramicand Bronze and "Brain Seedling" Cast Crystal and
Bronze, 24" W x 36" H 10" D
These three pieces are informed by the concept of Biophilia, “innate love of life or living systems”, a concept put forth by the eminent biologist, E.O. Wilson. I was thinking about the idea that our brains have been hardwired for millennia to receive communications from and to interface with the natural environment we are part of. If we do interact more fully with the natural world, especially the plant life that supports and nourishes us, we can co-create ways to in turn protect these natural systems and species.
Interestingly as I was working on "Brain Seedling",I ordered the book, "Return to the Brain of Eden, Restoring the Connection between Neurochemistry and Consciousness", coauthored by Tony Wright and Graham Gynn. It is a ground breaking book that looks at how our brains expanded at an increasingly rapid rate and then 200,000 year ago abruptly stopped. They explain how for millions of years early forest dwelling humans primarily consuming the hormone rich sex organs of plants, (the fruit), each containing a highly complex biochemical cocktail evolved to influence DNA transcription, rapid brain development and elevated neural and pineal gland activity. They also discuss how our loss of this diet and leaving the forest environment led to a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by aggressive behaviors, a fearful perception of the world and suppression of higher artistic, mathematical and spiritual abilities.
Hand Colored Monotype, 22"w x 30" H
Mono Type on Right, Pinhook Bog, Hand Colored Monotype,
22"w x 30" H
