Welcome to The Leaf Connection!

Thank you for your interest in The Leaf Connection project! I'm excited to share about my newest art endeavor in this first journal post.

First a little bit about me and my obsession with leaves: I am a full-time studio artist living in Gold Canyon, AZ. I create large sculptural installations (typically made of clay carvings suspended by pins or needles) that focus on our connection with the natural world and the similarities between human and botanical anatomy. Arizona has been my home for over 25 years, though I'm originally from the Midwest. I spent most of my childhood on a farm in South Dakota where I developed a strong connection to nature-- especially leaves. Ubiquitous and beautiful, they encourage me to slow down and observe my surroundings. I often stop and pick up random leaves along sidewalks and trails. They are reminders of my own connection to the land.

I'm thrilled to be working in collaboration with Metro Phoenix EcoFlora and to use the iNaturalist platform for The Leaf Connection Project. I'm inspired by the iNaturalist community, and excited to see so many people engaging with nature, especially here in Arizona. My hope is that community engagement with nature will grow along with this project. Observations for the project will inform leaf designs for a vast wall installation that will carry hundreds of hand sculpted clay leaves (see concept sketch below). The installation will be mapped out to reflect the Phoenix metropolitan area and illustrate the diversity of plants and people in our desert home. The purpose of this project is to foster community and connection through art and bring awareness to our natural surroundings.

Installation concept sketch. Clay leaves on individual wood panels.

Stay tuned for more updates as things develop. I'll be posting regularly here as well as on social. Be sure to follow me at The Leaf Connection on Instagram

If you've already signed up as a member, thank you! If not, I hope you will consider joining the adventure. The project is based on observations made in Metro Phoenix (at least for now... but who knows?), although that does not mean you have to live here to take part. Anyone who is planning a visit during the project window can participate-- and who wouldn't want to share more pictures of the beautiful plants that grow in Metro Phoenix?

For more about my work, please visit my website: Mary Meyer Studio

Publicado el mayo 10, 2022 03:12 MAÑANA por marymeyerstudio