The wild weather we have been experiencing around the world has me
thinking about climate change and ways we can do something about it. I've come
across some very interesting articles recently that illustrate possibilities.
The following is from Meg
Niederhofer: Celebrating Gainesville's passion for trees:
Most urban trees grow yards; they belong to
individuals, but we all benefit from them. Rain falling onto branches and
leaves is dispersed, meaning gradual absorption into the soil as opposed to
sheeting over the ground that causes erosion and flooding.
Likewise the sun’s rays are intercepted
(shade), foliage absorbs air pollutants, and beneficial root fungi take up
phosphorus and heavy metals that would otherwise pollute ground water. During
major storm events Gainesville’s abundant tree canopy intercepts the winds,
deflecting damaging force away from homes.
Home
Sweet Home by Carolyn Pearce - this has sparked some ideas for pieces
focusing on places and peoples that have not received a lot of attention in the
artistic community nor the media.
Making Do .
. . - reminded me of the times I sat with my grandmother while she
darned socks or sewed on buttons.
And then, there was this from a book I've been reading:
[O]ld quilts made from recycled fabrics
reminded Japanese needlewomen of the past, of the days when their mothers
patched clothing or made household items from scraps. It didn't matter that
these quilts had tears or worn patches in them, this was part of their charm.
We Japanese have traditionally cherished old fabrics, and the idea of creating
something artistic and useful from scraps appealed to our ideal of beauty. (Japanese
Quilts by Jill Liddell & Yuko Watanabe (c) 1988, p ix)
It ties in, of course, to using recycled, found, and vintage materials in my work.
What do you think? Is there something you would like to suggest to others?
Until next time, I wish you peace.
(Note: I provide links
to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply
affiliation by me with any site.)
