Project 2 CHALLENGE
Proposal:
Concept:
Connections in ecosystems- focus on mycorrhizal network that connect trees and serve as a delivery system for nutrients. My viewpoint is that these networks are essential to healthy forests. It can be extrapolated out to human communities where the connections we make with each other sustain us and can lead to vibrant communities where people look out for each other. I have read works by Suzanne Simard (Finding the Mothertree) and Robin Wall Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass) that have influenced me greatly and reinforced my sense of the interconnectedness of ecosystems- based on scientific research, stories anecdotal evidence and indigenous knowledge.
After brainstorming, I have two other possible ideas- one portraying the life-cycle of a rainbow trout (ink on rock). The other is to embroider an old t-shirt with symbols of the community where I live- Cumberland. I feel all three ideas relate well to my theme if eco-systems and inter-connectedness.
I have also engaged in several experimental drawing exercise to try and loosen up my imagination regarding what drawing is and can be.
Context:
I will use a variety of colours and textures to convey the idea of a network (perhaps reminiscent of electrical networks. There will be a variety of trees, plants and funghi being connected by the threads.
I plan to present my work on the ground to locate it where a log would normally be and to suggest the continuation of the network into the ground. I may even have some threads trailing off the log(s) to suggest they are reaching into the ground.
Some thoughts about my other two ideas are on page 2.
Production:
My current idea is to source some driftwood and use hammer and nails to create the basis for wrapping yarn, string, moss, various materials to create a network connecting trees together. I may make more than one and connect them together across the divide. The size will vary on what driftwood I might find but I imagine it to be around 0.5 m to 1m
Some thoughts about my other two ideas are on page 2.