Estuary Series
Estuary Series 2004 – 2009 This period of work was inspired by estuaries. I traveled by kayak and on foot up sloughs, along shores, among reeds and through mud to study wetlands. In the studio I explored flow patterns, saturation, and sedimentation in liquid media. Water, salt, mud, and reeds became art materials. The rhythmic exchange between land and water gives us a rich metaphor for dynamic equilibrium. The cyclic nature of tidal marshlands is a reflection of our own cycles and rhythms. Estuaries are a mix of salt and fresh water, similar to our own intercellular fluid. How does flow create form? The images that emerge from flow patterns reflect our cellular structure as much as the shape of estuaries. A series of multi-sensory installations with hanging panels were touchable, responded to the viewer’s movements, and in some cases could be walked upon. The scroll form suggests story or language; the images invite a journey through their details. Pendulums and other kinesthetic sculptures speak more literally about the cycles of the moon and tides, and the movements of water and mud, and the migratory pathways of birds. I am suggesting a different view of ourselves, our inner nature, and our relationship to outer nature. Our control of nature in agribusiness and development has been paralleled by our fragmented and controlling view of our bodies and our health. The health of our waterways is one of the most important ecological concerns facing us. With my artwork I want to invite a perceptual shift: self-recognition and embracing our fluid nature can potentially change the way we regard both our own health and the health of our environment.