I felt incredibly excited and impassioned after reading and reporting, The Field Guide for Park and Creative Placemaking by Matthew Clarke because the field guide addressed the power of curating a natural space and cultivating community engagement with a public, natural environment through strategic programming and the addition of art. Within my own research on the evolving idea of natural culture, assembling my constellation of interests into viable research options and career goals has been difficult. Reading an article that categorized parks as cultural assets allowed me to view my career and interests in a new and existing venue. The field guide offered an incredible tool with an easy to absorb format and presentation style. Through expanding the understanding of parks to larger parks such as national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites and landscapes (as outlined by the first step in the process of creative placemaking: define a community based in geography), I am wondering in creating an idea of natural culture, what is the change people would like to see in their understanding and relationship with the environment (the second step in the process of creative placemaking: articulating the desired change). Of course, I have my own ideas about how to create a genuine connection with nature, but I am wondering how to create an adaptable program that facilitates an authentic connection with nature? I am also wondering if a specific artistic medium is ideal for facilitating this connection that allows for a greater reverence of natural spaces? Also, does each community desire a different connection to nature? If linking community and culture creates a deeper bond, as outlined in the field guide, how does one link culture and nature in a variety of communities, are parks the answer? Please comment and explore the possible answers to the aforementioned questions.
If anyone is interested, additional research that I have conducted on this topic include resources such as The Natural Principle by Richard Louv which explores nature deficiency disorder, Ecology Without Nature by Timothy Morton, The Colors of Nature edited by Alison H. Deming and Lauret E. Savoy, and The Social Creation of Nature by Neil Everden.
You know, I am not sure if it is possible to create an authentic connection with nature. What does “authentic” mean and what is “nature.” Is a park nature or is it a artificial re-creation of nature designed by humans. Although, we, too are a part of nature.
Anyway, there used to be this theatre company outside of Seattle (can’t remember their name, unfortunately) but they used to do site specific plays in the woods. So you buy a ticket, they bus you out to the woods, and you essentially go on a hike, following the story. And as you walk, you’d meet up with a new group of actors performing another scene in the play. Would these be the sort of artistic expression that would create a connection with nature?
Chryss, I completely understand. Through my research right now, I am trying to determine what an authentic relationship with nature means. This involves removing a certain social understanding of nature and creating an understanding of the true essence of nature and how humans can channel this into how they relate to their surroundings. Currently, I am reading a book titled, The Social Creation of Nature, by Neil Everden. This book starts off with questioning nature, in relation to custom/culture and which one imposes on the other. The book also looks at ecology as an understanding of natural laws, and natural crises such as pollution. Initially pollution is given as an example as a way of understanding the ambiguous nature, of nature in that nature is defined as what is at risk of harm from the polluter. I have not completed this book yet nor have I delved deep into further research, so I look forward to being able to answer your questions fully in the future through text and art!
Also, in reference to the theatre company, I think any interaction with nature creates a connection, and this type of artistic expression that removes the viewer from the traditional theatre space and allows the viewer to interact with the art through the narrative. In that the narrative travels with the viewer through the forest, the viewer could experience a connection to nature if the individual is as aware of their surroundings as they are the play and if they play helps them understand their surroundings, if not the viewer could passively go on a hike with only the selected stops and destinations in mind. I would be interested in knowing the goals of the performance as well as if they employ any evaluation techniques to determine the success of the venue on the viewer’s relationship to/understanding of nature.
http://doctrow.com/news-events/nine-natives-wildflower-wayside-shrine/attachment/_mg_1415/
Here is a link to Mollie Doctrow’s website. She is a printmaker and artist in Florida. I accidentally stumbled upon here because I was researching community college printmaking artists. She does amazing work in woodcuts to share about native plants in her area. She created shrine boxes along a small trail to bring together science, art, nature. In reading your post, it made me think of her. Hope you do too! -B
Browyn,
I truly appreciate this link! Molly’s work truly resonates with me especially because she is a Flordian artist. I am fascinated by the idea of her shrine boxes, as way to share reflective experiences with nature in an artistic, site specific, installation. Her model is also excellent for obtaining data on what visitors see as “nature”. Thank you again!