Abstract
Humans are probably the most invasive and damaging animal species to our planet’s ecology currently. One such development is the creation of poor soil fertility by the killing of earth worms indirectly from the toxic agrochemicals gardeners and farmers use. The goal of this ongoing ecological art project is to increase the awareness of the public to the ecological cost of perfect looking vegetables, fruits, gardens, and lawns. The works begin by painting signs or symbols with acrylic paints mixed with commercially available pesticides, fertilizers, and fungicides. Once these are dry, worms from a compost bucket are gathered washed and placed in non-toxic food coloring. They are then put on the canvas and their movements are video recorded. As they move, they leave color traces of their path. Their avoidance of the toxic chemical area is visible. After they move off the canvas, they returned to the compost bin. The accompanying videos are posted on DrLegumes YouTube channel. The results appear as abstract paintings to an uninformed viewer. In community engaged workshops participants of all ages are invited to paint a sign or object that reflects an ecological concern in their community. They then chose the food dye colors for the worms and the painting is videotaped. They keep their painting. This BioArt project addresses a current environmental issue of local and global importance. The process is experimental, unique and bridges science and art. It provides an opportunity to foster dialogue between local gardeners, farmers, and the ecologically minded community.
Presenters
Pierre LeichnerArtistic Director of Outsider Festival, Community Arts Council of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2024 Special Focus—-Art for Sustenance
KEYWORDS
SUSTAINABILITY, ECOLOGY, COMMUNITY, SCIENCE, BIO-ART, ECO-ART, LEARNING, CONNECTION
