JstVcky

Weekly Condensings, Critical Research. Reflective Journal.

[jstvcky]

Preliminary Sketches

I have not done enough research to come up with testable ideas, but these few came to mind recently and whilst on erasmus. Strangely, I thought of these on my way to Kassel Documenta after being exhausted and still not having a house. This was the first permanent place I had experienced in a long while. The work of Hughye is still on my mind, its scientific basis of dug earth and human triggered activity- I will look into it once more, as well as others such as Abraham Cruzvillegas and the stewardship role of my previous tutor Rolf Engelen.

I will be developing these ideas and testing a few over the summer.

[jstvcky]

26/04/18

In the two weeks which have passed since sowing the seeds (one week for the final two images of Beans, Marigolds, Courgettes, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Lettuce, mint cuttings etc) this is the progress of what has grown and how quickly. What will grow, investigation and trial into methods of display.

I have had no growth so far from the Physalis, Herbs or purely decorative flowers but have had high rates of germination from the others so far, having only one of the sunflowers not germinate. I find I am frustrated by being unable to see the root growth beneath and plan to refresh my plant science knowledge as well as germination cycles and requirements. I am considering ways of applying this growth to innovative forms alongside my work with the Green Living Society, Generation Wild, work on the allotments and would love to gain more knowledge of tropical species via the Eden project and possibly the Bio dept if I find more people related to my interests. so I have much to look into. I have also organised to meet with Daro Montag early next week which should be greatly beneficial to my direction and will hopefully provide some new inspiration for my direction.

[jstvcky]

Eden Project, Cornwall

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Come to the Eden Project in Cornwall for a great day out for the whole family: explore the largest indoor rainforest in the world and enjoy special events.

Climate, Experience, Utopia

I think the reason that the Eden project and Kew gardens are constantly on my mind due to the fact that they exist to show us natural organisms growing with a vivacity we would normally only see in the wild. As very few of us will ever physically experience a rain forest or the Mediterranean this clever idea both conserves a piece of wild climate and provides the opportunity to experience something we otherwise may not- transported to the location of England. 

Essentially these massive climate controlled poly spheres (eden) create alternate worlds, perhaps micro utopias which within provide a source of life. While also perhaps educating those on how to be a little more sustainable and to take more care through it education sectors.

However beautiful these experiential structures may be I think more attention should be brought to native species also under threat, I know some of the fruit and veg is grown on site at the nurseries but even that could be just a bit more striking. Unfortunately money is the downfall of every organisation. Although they are a charity funded organisation and maintaining the climates of such structures immense I still think more can be done. Though I do need to educate myself more and percieve this with a fresh mind before suggesting change. I know I would love to learn more from them of the cultivation and propagation of many of the species involved. Perhaps promoting an Eden initiative and spreading knowledge of sustainable facilities, maybe they could provide the site for communities to try out being self sufficient with guides? (Arable/Vegetable sources, sustainable power.)

I think what I disagree with is the commercialism of this organisation, the last time I visited I remember being disappointed by the upkeep of the biomes and disappointed by the focus of zip wire and restaurant. I now think that I do not know enough to judge but if there was more of a focus on sustainable sources, (other than it being the worlds longest zipwire) perhaps to power something via the kinetic energy? or the restaurant focusing efforts on sustainable sourcing and home growing education rather than experiencing a Mediterranean lunch.

[jstvcky]

Inspiring functional images from Green Acres                                                                      

I have not yet reached the pages which describe in depth the subject matter or artists featured in these images but at this time I find them intriguing and am keen to look at them in depth over the coming weeks. There are also artists such as Patricia Johnson, Kathryn Miller and Josie Jeffries who work with seed bombing which will prove interesting for me

I am familiar with the work of “The Land” by Tiravanija, Parreno, Superflex et al but I have only read of it from a social art perspective rather than ecologically so look forward to learning more about how this piece, maintained solely by participation from people visiting for any given length of time was actually made and the criteria by which it was formulated.

[jstvcky]

Agnes Denes

Wheatfield (above) consisted of the planting of a field of golden wheat on two acres of rubble-strewn landfill near Wall Street and the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan (now the site of Battery Park City and the World Financial Center) Suggesting the regeneration of space and the usage of desolate spaces to give function and benefit to society. In simplicity all that really matters for life is food, money is unnecessary. they harvested $158 worth of wheat on land worth $4.5 billion. value is seen less as a value of what is produced and more commercially, which is entirely counterproductive for the maintaining of a stable ecosystem.

“Investigating science, philosophy, linguistics, psychology, poetry, history, and music, Denes's artistic practice is distinctive in terms of its aesthetics and engagement with socio-political ideas” http://www.agnesdenesstudio.com/

[jstvcky]

Posts about ecology art written by annanayang and Crystal Nguyen

[jstvcky]

The Harrisons (Newton and Helen)

The Harrisons are another collaborative duo who have drawn my attention. They created a farm, comprising of everything necessary to attain a balanced and sustainable diet. (Steps and some images above) They have achieved numerous pieces surrounding the area of ecological art using a wide array of disciplines and collaborative advisors. They demonstrate how it is possible for artists to work together with scientists- thins is something I am keen to initiate especially with the convenience of Penryn’s science dept, I am just not quite sure how to achieve this, do I need an issue to resolve, or counsel to work in partnership? 

“Among the leading pioneers of the eco-art movement, the collaborative team of Newton and Helen Mayer Harrison (often referred to simply as “the Harrisons”) have worked for almost forty years with biologists, ecologists, architects, urban planners and other artists to initiate collaborative dialogues to uncover ideas and solutions which support biodiversity and community development.The Harrison’s concept of art embraces a breathtaking range of disciplines.

They are historians, diplomats, ecologists, investigators, emissaries and art activists. Their work involves proposing solutions and involves not only public discussion, but extensive mapping and documentation of these proposals in an art context.Past projects have focused on watershed restoration, urban renewal, agriculture and forestry issues among others. 

The Harrisons’ visionary projects have often led to changes in governmental policy and have expanded dialogue around previously unexplored issues leading to practical implementations throughout the United States and Europe.” http://theharrisonstudio.net/

Their first subject was of survival, and since 1970 they have engaged in large scale ecological projects, they determined to do no work that didn't advantage the biosphere. Perhaps this kind of large scale collaboration could arise from continual work with Green Living?

[jstvcky]

Anthropocene

adjective

relating to or denoting the current geological age, viewed as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

the Anthropocene period.

[jstvcky]

Ecological Art that Miniaturizes (and Minimizes) Climate Change

PARIS — Climats Artificiels at the Espace Fondation EDF is an impertinent and multigenerational group show of contemporary art — heavy on miniature biosphere mockups — that raises the question of the current value of ironic artificiality.

Possible useful resource of recent ecological art. (Query:Minimises?)

[jstvcky]

Hans Haacke

The name of Haacke has emerged repeatedly throughout what I have read so far about the subject of Environmental Arts. He has done numerous works in trying to change what the setting of white cube can function as, bringing the earth and plants indoors to essentially create a functional environment. I enjoy the perspective of functionality and displaying plants doing what they would naturally do removed from their typical setting to highlight life its self as an entity. Once removed these organisms have a scientific feel to them, as though they are being measured or trialled for when the world is no longer fertile and we have to grow indoors to keep us alive, almost dystopian.

“Manifesto 1965, calling for an art that is: non stable, indeterminate, environment-dependent, reacting to light and air, playful, living in time, and articulating something natural, has been well documented.” 82, Green Acres

He has also done works such as Rhinewater Purification Plant (filtering polluted Rhine water into a tank of goldfish and back into the ground), Condensation Cube, Grass Grows, Beans Chillies Ants and many others. Many of his works have arisen from an interest in social systems (group behaviour). To summarise, this artist has taken my attention and I have much to learn from such works and methodologies. 

[jstvcky]

Over the past two weeks I have been reading this book “Green Acres- Artists Farming Fields, Greenhouses and Abandoned Lots” by Sue Spaid.

Completely by chance did I stumble upon this book when looking at the books involving Environmental or Eco Art. It has proven incredibly insightful in justifying how my interests in the green world and the active process of growing can be framed with a fine art focus. Through it I am uncovering so many wonderful artists who encompass my interests, some I have never even thought about before. Its leaving me very excited for possible things to come. I will go into more depth in some of the particularly resonate artists so far, but it has been interesting to see familiar names such as Holler and Tiravanija arise. Perhaps more widely known for socially engaged or community works these two show how overlapping the fields of Art and Science actually are, Holler even studying a PHD in Agronomy along with many others who first studied as scientists to become artists and vise versa.

This leaves me with the realisation that all is actually not lost and that I may actually be able to do the things that I want to within the art field, its just finding an applicable route to outlet this interest. Sadly I will not have the time to act upon any new pieces but I am going to use the summer to experiment and learn and see if I can get a residency or internship to learn more about my interests and to gain new perspectives.

[jstvcky]

18/04/18 Green Living Soc

Yesterday I made it to my 1st Green Living Society meet. I had organised to go a long time ago but missed lots of events, and then the snow as well as my mind not being in the right place. I made sure to go to this one as I spoke to a classmate in my Tutor group, Abbie Lynch who is on the committee, she said to come along on Wednesday.

I spent the day checking out the plot of land they have in Penryn, sowing various vegetable seeds and chatting about our interests. Another girl there studies Environmental Sciences so it was lovely to get a scientific outlook to our interests. It also transpired that Abbie is interested in soil, water use/abuse, composting and irrigation systems as our ideas are so interlinked, we think there could be great opportunity to collaborate in the coming months/year which would be fantastic. We will hopefully meet to discuss ideas for green living and projects in the coming weeks/months.

[jstvcky]

19/04/18

In one week, the majority of the sunflowers have germinated, many of the beans are beginning to break the surface and a few of the sensitive plants.

My aunt also kindly posted me some more seeds, including Tomatoes, more sunflowers, Marigolds, and french beans which I have sown today.

I have been visiting the green house twice a day over the sunny period to water them and check for damage.

[jstvcky]

12/04/18

Thursday I went to discuss options with the Falmouth Head Gardener, Jon Wyatt. After setting up links with him last term (which were cancelled due to the snow fall) I began taking note of the outdoor space, which ideally we will try and cultivate into an ornamental allotment/veg garden. I also sowed my first lot of seeds in the green house, Broad beans, Sunflowers, Sensitive Plants, Nasturtiums, a variety of herbs and flowers. These have been sown to test germination times and to allow me to get back into open space. At home as a job over the past 4 years I worked in various local garden nurseries and have an ongoing love of plants and propagation. I have often thought about working with the two in my practise but never really thought it was possible so haven't done a great deal of research on it, this is something I am aiming to resolve over this term. Thinking about growth, educating myself, doing what I am passionate about and working with changing spaces.

[jstvcky]

Over my 1st week back I watched these 3 documentaries, all followed a similar trend in educating people of the harm we are doing to ourselves and our world due to our lifestyles. They speak of the power of the corporate in guiding governmental laws to be passed, the myths we are fed so that the power of growing disasters (climate change) are diminished and certain laws cannot be passed due to the gain of the few. We are even recommended to eat certain foods due to sponsorship of companies, which in truth diminish our health. All three of these documentaries could be described as worrying, even scary at times. Mostly because we recognise that these things are happening and contribute to their advocation whether we agree with them or not. A sustainable and health conscious future is what we need to continually push for, we have the ability to be sustainable and use sustainable power sources, people need to unite in the need for this to get the attention of the government and to make things happen.

[jstvcky]

12/04/18 + 16/04/18

Return from Easter and Talks with Glad and David Paton. I have returned and with it I am keen to make progress. If I cannot incorporate the two aspects of my interests with adequate balance I will have to seriously reconsider my position as for my own sake I want to be doing what I love and enjoy, else there is no point. I have given up on these ideas in the past, when I got to the Netherlands I wanted to make a plant safe space inside buildings, raising eco awareness, sustainability and well being. But I had no idea how to act on this when away, and so gave up on it. I wrote so much because it was something I could do and am relatively good at. Though it was of benefit to me, it is not my calling. I need to establish whether I have the time to achieve what I want.

Speaking to Glad, he advised me to look deeply into eco art and spend the next few weeks just researching and gaining a knowledge of this pathway.

David recommended speak to his old tutor Daro Montag as he had studied the Environmental Art MA at Falmouth before it finished, and felt that he would be the best person to advise me on this path.

23/04/18 The only thing I have been able to make progress with is working with the gardeners in the green house and with various societies. Consider setting a deadline for your progress, Daro needs to be tracked down, book reading needs completing