Laura Greenwood - Artist

Artist Statement:

Life experiences that evoke awe seem to suspend time, holding us present in the moment, while simultaneously reminding us of our inescapable connections to life around us. My work seeks to capture this sensation of wonder and encourage curiosity about the world. In much of Western ideology, “nature” is an entity separate from the human world. Yet, life is a network of all living organisms; there is no environment detached from human beings. As “nature” is a part of us, how do we fit within the context of the world we inhabit? My work invites viewers to look closer at the environments they live within and question detrimental societal hierarchies that disconnect humans from their own home. The work is crafted within and in response to specific environments and the concerns of an area so that the artwork is not only about the environment, but also positively contributing to it. Through a variety of mediums, including photography, bookmaking, sculpture, installation and time-based media, I bring attention to details and elements of life that are often overlooked. How do we move beyond simply observing and using nature to begin considering it an integral part of ourselves? The act of building personal connections with flora and fauna can influence perceptions of their importance. These connections can then foster empathy for nonhuman organisms, building respect that, in turn, can result in more ecologically viable actions. My work is about hope - optimistic in the confidence that humans can initiate positive actions to live sustainably in the world.