A Year Long Conversation With
English Ivy
Research through Embodiment
I have been creating in land and nature connected ways since 2016. Much of my research for this came from being present with the elements, listening for the stories from nature itself, and noting the nuances of the time of day, the weather, and the season- specifically, with the ocean. I intend to research English Ivy in this same way- in connection with the plant, and where it is growing, noting who and what else it is sharing the space with, and what role of impact I would play in extracting the ivy.
Aligning with Ivy
The first step involves visiting the plant before I begin extracting it, spending time at the site, and visiting the site multiple times to take note of how the ecosystem transforms depending on the season. It’s important that I have the time required to witness the impact of removing this invasive species from the land it is on, and to truly build a relationship to it and the land I am on for future creations and community engaged projects. Currently, I am in the second stage of this project- creating cordage using the vines of the ivy, and eco-prints using the leaves, while continuing to sit with Ivy often.
Aligning with Ivy
The first step involves visiting the plant before I begin extracting it, spending time at the site, and visiting the site multiple times to take note of how the ecosystem transforms depending on the season. It’s important that I have the time required to witness the impact of removing this invasive species from the land it is on, and to truly build a relationship to it and the land I am on for future creations and community engaged projects. Currently, I am in the second stage of this project- creating cordage using the vines of the ivy, and eco-prints using the leaves, while continuing to sit with Ivy often.
Flower Mandala with ivy
This is the first out of four sculptures I am making with Ivy during my research.
a Sculptural Scribble with ivy
This is the second out of four sculptures I am making with Ivy during my research.
Ivy as Macramé!
This is the third out of four sculptures I am making with Ivy during my research.
Fourth Sculpture with Ivy in Progress!
This is the fourth and final sculpture from my research, and is made entirely out of English Ivy.
