Michele Brody: Katie Smither

Other environmental artists:

Jackie Brookner

The majority of her work seems to be progressive, trying to inspire action and awareness about the environment and its well being rather than just using it as a medium.  Her 'biosculptures' incorporate natural life processes (such as aerating ponds or providing an environment for plant growth) and often include molded sculptures of human hands, feet, sometimes tongues.  Some of the sculptures that work to eradicate previous pollution or damage remind me of Mel Chin's pieces (Revival Field specifically).  Unlike artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Brookner uses industrial materials such as concrete, etc. to make the pieces which then have positive impact.  My favorite was Of Earth and Cotton.

Roy Staab

Uses strictly organic/found on site type materials.  More like Goldsworthy (I kind of compare everyone to him, he's my favorite earth artist...so far) in that he is using the natural materials to create an image or experience in space, on earth, or on water, rather than creating an environmental impact...he's making with the environment.  Staab makes drawing/graphic pieces on water and earth that present an image to be observed.  His work in the air, which I think I like most, surrounds the viewer and creates not only something to be seen but interacted with and affected by.  

I emailed Michele Brody and am waiting to hear back on a more specific direction for the garments.  To recap, they could be interpreted in many different ways (mythologically, religiously/spiritually, scientifically, environmentally, effectively, etc.) and then there is the elusive issue of representing an element/invisible idea in cloth.  And not only cloth, but a garment for covering the body.

Still hoping to find some more info on how to deal with seed post and the conversations of felt, irrigation, materials, etc.  See ya'll soon,

Katie Smither