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The spring of 2020 was a time that offered the freedom to lean into a posture of questioning. It aided in my reappraisal of things that were important. Additionally, the limitations that were establish by authorities resulted in my development of adaptive strategies to preserve a studio practice. Therefore, I integrated a method for conducting my studio research from various outdoor environments around the southern Illinois region. I also began to consider data as a viable art material. This adaptation to my studio practice was a necessary action to exercise my curiosity concerning altered ecosystems and the theory of Anthropocene epoch.
When I moved my research outside, my objective was to capture the phenomenon of transformation by visiting mutable environments. I began to develop a system of collecting data by having a sculptural structure in an environment for three hours. The emphasis was to document changes by having the sculpture perform as a frame to aid in perceptual focus. During the three hours, information was gathered by means of photography, videography, sound recordings, journaling, and foraging. This collected data was then processed, so to share my experience. Over a period of time, I discovered water was a significant component to this work. Evidence began to reveal how each of the environments were connected by water. This motivated me to wonder about water globally.
As a result, my work consists of traveling to various environments and collecting data regarding altered ecosystems. Attention is given to water as a substance that links all things together. Consequently, I am sharing evidence regarding humans’ impact on water, and questioning how local alterations affect a global ecosystem. Exhibiting the collected data as works of art is intended to generate an awareness and dialog about this matter.