Rooted:
I was recently invited to contribute work to The Hopper, an environmental literary magazine that publishes, “poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual art, all of which are paths towards an invigorated understanding of nature’s place in human life.” I have found inspiring art and writing in this publication, so I welcomed the opportunity.
The editors were particularly interested in several detailed images from Revel:Reveal, the installation piece from my recent solo show, along with text I wrote that touches on ecological restoration, among other things. Melded together in this format, the work has become a new, unified piece—a conversation between art, science, and personal narrative. I’m so happy to be able to share it with you! It’s free to access here.
And, bonus: they also used my work—and work from the other two visual artist pieces in this issue—to accompany writing throughout the magazine. Of course I hope you’ll read my piece, but please check out the breadth of work in this and previous issues of the magazine, too. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
I think of my piece in The Hopper as a conversation between science, art, and writing, but as part of my Creature Conserve Fellowship project, I’ve been having actual conversations with scientists, artists, and writers from across the US and around the world. I’m trying to tease out what might motivate scientists to interact with art, artists, and artistic ways of thinking and working, especially with regards to nature and wildlife conservation. So far, I have interviewed authors and editors, a fisheries biologist, a microbiologist, a wildlife veterinarian, artists, teachers, and more, ranging in age from their early 20s to 60+.
For me, these conversations are a new way of approaching research. I don’t feel lost (well, okay, maybe sometimes…), just very open to possibility. I’m letting curiosity and instinct lead the way, taking in what people share with me and brewing up an intriguing mix that is starting to catch and hold my attention. That’s too many metaphors, but honestly, it pretty much sums up where things are right now. It’s a process I’m truly enjoying.
I have learned so much from these conversations, and I’m grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts, insights, and stories with me. At this point, I’m narrowing my focus a bit. So: if you are a scientist (or know someone who is)—especially in ecology, wildlife conservation, restoration, or related fields—and would like to talk, please be in touch! I look forward to sharing more as the project develops.
Rounded:
Later this month I’ll be featuring Alexandra Ionescu and her amazing work with ecosystem regeneration, natural cycles, beavers, and more.
Reaching:
In this season of generosity, please consider donating to the organizations that I and others have mentioned in Twig & Ink. A few highlights:
Contribute to Creature Conserve’s first fundraiser to support a creative community that combines art with science to cultivate new pathways for wildlife conservation.
Celebrate Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s 90th year of raptor conservation!
Help Wild Wonder Foundation connect people of all ages to nature through attention, curiosity, art, science, and community.
Support scholarships for creators of children’s literature at The Highlights Foundation. (So many scholarship possibilities, including this one!).
And on Twig & Ink’s wish list: If you’re enjoying these posts, please leave a comment below, subscribe, share, tap the like button, or all of the above—it matters! And, consider pledging your support.
Most of all, keep reading. I’m glad you’re here!
Beautiful pieces in the installation - congrats on the show and the article!