In a time of environmental collapse, my work tries to repair our disconnection with nature and spirituality using technology and fiction.
Online research is a key driving force behind my practise; my sources are a muddled mixture of factual and fantastical, embracing the internet as a hub of fact and fiction. In one tab, I could be reading about the latest biotechnology developments; in the next tab: an ancient folklore surrounded by glittering clip art. This exploration usually culminates as books, prints, installations or films which dreamily merge technology, biology, and fantasy.
My work tends to feature the forest, arguably the most significant setting for western fairy-tales and mysticism. Over the past year, I have been heavily inspired by the underground ‘fungal internet’ which trees use to communicate. I have blended this scientific research with folklore and poetry to create documentaries and books. Other projects include intimate stories written entirely by algorithms and digital light installations in the forest. Most recently, I’ve been (mis)using technology to ‘listen’ to plants (they’re not as sweet as you’d think!) and creating a fictitious form of data storage using moss balls.
As Covid19 keeps most of us stuck indoors, I hope my work will transport you somewhere new – where plants talk, trees glitch, and algorithms become authors.
Projects
- Data WaterMy most recent piece, ‘Data Water’, was inspired by pseudoscientific research into water having memory. My fictional invention pretends to store digital files in water with the help of a moss ball and rune-spell shaped Arduino device. This was an imagined solution to our data pollution crisis, as cloud storage services (like iCloud and Google Drive) are quietly generating the same amount of carbon emissions as the aviation industry. ‘Data Water’ is a ridiculous contraption yet the use of unf
- Forest Light InstallationA real installation in Longleat Forest. I wheeled a fuel-powered generator and high-power projector into the forest and projected videos of shapes into the trees. The trees fragmented the shapes and created a completely new and surreal digital environment within the forest. I wanted to explore how I could interrupt a natural organic landscape with strict logical geometric shapes. Geometric shapes are arguably the 'purest form', according to Malevich's Suprematism. I then decided that the 'pu
- Book: Wood Wide WebI made a book combining all of my research about trees and fungi into one single narrative. It merges science, digitisation, and mysticism. The book was displayed in a collaborative exhibition, BOOKish, at Stanley Picker Gallery in November 2019. The writing is printed in a small modern font, giving the narrative s a quiet yet matter of fact tone. The entire narrative is in lowercase except for a capital letter at the beginning and a full stop at the end, creating one long, meandering sentence
- Forest VirusMy two minute film 'Forest Virus' features a glitching virtual forest I created using 3D modelling software, overlaid with scientific and folkloric subtitles. These range from “trees warn each other of danger by sending electrical signals across a fungal network” to “it is bad luck to cut the branches because it will disturb the fairies”. It was inspired by an article which described the forest's communication network using digital metaphors. The glitching virtual forest is an inaccessible hidd
- Talking PlantMoisture levels inside the soil silently trigger words to appear on the laptop like online messages. If your plant could talk to you, what would it say? A potted plant is entirely dependent on its human caretaker. It would say whatever it takes to ensure you care for it, even manipulating you if necessary. Your plant would probably be rather flirtatious too - a plant's primary goal is to reproduce. Viewers are hesitant to interact with installations (especially one that's telling you to chuck
Work history
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Social Media ManagerBat Print Studio
United KingdomFreelance
Successfully launched and maintained an Instagram profile for a new printmaking studio. Involved regularly documenting the work being produced, creating an aesthetic branded profile, copywriting, and engaging with the audience. Promoted their exhibition, created posters advertising courses, and attracted new members. (@bat.print.studio)
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Art School AssistantBat Print Studio
Frome, United KingdomPart Time
Assisting with teaching children ages 7-14 in a range of creative processes.
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Skills
- New Media
- Installation Art
- Creative Technology
- Emerging Technology
- Conceptual art
- New Technologies
- Book Arts
- Art Writing
- Research Visualisation
- Creative Non-fiction
Education
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Fine Art BA (hons)Concordia University
- Montreal, Canada
Study abroad year with specialist studies in lithography, intaglio, colour theory, art and technology, and experimental new media / electronic arts.
BA Fine Art HonoursKingston School of Art
- London, United Kingdom
4 years including one international year at Concordia University in Montreal
Awards
CommendedCreative Conscience
For Data Water, a fictional solution to our data storage crisisP
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LSM Art AwardParker Harris