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Conceptual Series

Slide #61072
Susan Evans

Photographer

Susan Evans

FLORA

Goethean Science challenges us to consider awareness, observation and metaphysical sensitivity to the way we engage with the natural world. Attraction and connection with the land is a recognition of a call to touch and covet. Physical contact is the door that opens us to whatever an encounter might hold. Acknowledgement of the land in this way is a recognition that the land loves you. The lands I love are loved by many generations who are not my ancestors.

Using photo-sensitive materials I distill, record and give evidence of intersection with what is around me. Intuitively I forage where I am. I only gather what is available. With reciprocity in mind, I only take what I will use, offering thanks in a variety of ways that feel sincere: saying ‘Thank You;’ feeling gratitude deeply; taking o more than 10%; picking up trash and leaving no trace. I spend time learning about these lands and their history and seek friendships with others connected to the land to share and collaborate.

Susan Evans

My interdisciplinary practice is about connecting to the natural environment; physical, atmospheric, emotional, spiritual, metaphysical. These connections shape and affect my existence, identity and wholistic place in the world. Adopted, I never quite fit in, my family moved from one US National Forest Service Station to the next. The forest became my constant, my home, my place; I am safe there…complete. I feel, understand and read nature and am fascinated by her stories. To this end I am also interested in nature deficit and ecological trauma/grief. I explore boundaries, land, desire, identity, belonging, memory and history, environmental experience tied to place and how environmental and ecologically-focused histories and stories can be told. My work ranges in context and represents my fascination with the intersection of aesthetics, science and physicality plus the performance aspects of methodology.