Language of the Land : Alphabet
The fluid letters in this twenty-seven letter alphabet hold a tension between the familiar and unfamiliar. The letter forms, like ours, can be repeated and combined to form words, while the meaning, sound and method of reading is to be unlocked by the viewer. Each person brings their own personal and cultural connections that impact the messages received.
The botanical palettes created with plants from the riparian area along the Allegheny river, breathe another layer of communication into each piece. From simply wanting to know more about the color of a specific plant to understanding its role in the riparian border, this work is an invitation to deepen our relationship with the land.
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.
