Language of the Land
Emerging from the quiet wisdom of riparian zones – those lush, shifting borders where river meets earth – this work speaks in colors made with plants gathered along the Allegheny river’s edge.
Riparian zones are dynamic, ecologically rich areas that form the transition between land and river. These spaces play a vital role in the health of our ecosystems: they filter pollutants, stabilize soil, slow erosion, and support a wide range of plant and animal life. Often overlooked, they are places of resilience, adaptation, and constant change.
This body of work is inspired by these questions: How might an imagined language created with colors from plants in marginal places deepen our relationship with the land? What can we learn from the ways these plants endure and even thrive under shifting conditions? What messages does the land have for you?
Etymology / 46” x 22” / Organic cotton and hemp fabric hand dyed with locally foraged plants from the riparian zone along the Allegheny river including, sumac berries, goldenrod, and oak galls (from white swamp oak trees); ferrous solution; and wood panels.
Alphabet / 41” x 25” / Handmade inks on watercolor paper; inks created with foraged plants from the riparian zone along the Allegheny river including, goldenrod, sumac berries, sumac leaves, black willow leaves, yellow buckeye husks, acorns, pokeberry, sweet gum balls, and viburnum berries. (Sold: private collection)
Language of the Land / 46” x 72” / Organic cotton and hemp fabric hand dyed with locally foraged plants from the riparian zone along the Allegheny river including, sumac berries, goldenrod, and oak galls (from white swamp oak trees); and ferrous solution. Can be hung vertically or horizontally.
Message Board (1)
Message Board (2)
Message Board (3) / Sold: private collection
Message Board (4)
Message Board (1-4) / 25” x 26 3/4” / Organic cotton and hemp fabric hand dyed with locally foraged oak galls from white swamp oak trees near the Allegheny river; removable and customizable waxed maple letters; and maple frame.
Floating Line (1) / 12" x 16" / Handmade inks on Alga Carta (paper made from the algae of the Venetian Lagoon); Inks foraged and created from various places throughout Italy including Venice, the Alps and Nonna’s backyard and kitchen in Salice Terme; and acrylic paint on wood panel.
Floating Line (2) / 12" x 16" / Handmade inks on Alga Carta (paper made from the algae of the Venetian Lagoon); Inks foraged and created from various places throughout Italy including Venice, the Alps and Nonna’s backyard and kitchen in Salice Terme; and acrylic paint on wood panel.