Welcome to Elements!

Details of proposed actions relating to this project

Caring for the earth starts with our relationship to the gifts it offers us for living and creating. Wisely using and sharing these resources responsibly is vital for all of us if we are to truly prosper.

As an artist and maker of things, I am acutely aware of what elements I am using and how these materials can be transformed as well as having transformative experiences while working with them.

My reasons for making (things) merges with the experience of gathering, planning, noticing, appreciating the qualities, strengths and limitations of these materials while creatively looking for ways to stretch the boundaries of what is possible. I personally understand transcending boundaries as a lifelong severely hearing impaired/deaf person. I have always striven to push past limitations of all sorts.It is this growing, living expression that compels me to move forward learning more about the wondrous world I live in.

Materials:
Collect clay samples from as many locations as possible, by enlisting anyone to become a volunteer from 50 states and all US territories. (I would also like to eventually add worldwide submissions to this!) If you are reading this – please consider being a participant with me! (Please fill out a Sample form.)

Process:
I will be using processed and unprocessed clay bodies that I collect for use as natural pigments to color paste paints to make paste papers, adding water and plant materials to make the binders for the paints I use. I will be (Re)using, repurposing recycled materials to make the tools to create the designs on the papers.

Product:
Create a book or small edition run of books containing samples of paste papers using these clays and as much information about origin stories of each clay body as well as (scientific/observation) information of local sites where gathered, conditions of soils, minerals present, as I can gather about them from participants as well as general scholarly research that has been gathered about each of the regions represented. Does your region have water or mineral or soil challenges?

Impact:
Eco-social engagement: Using local clays, calls attention to the local impacts of use of water resources, soils, clays, minerals, and the importance of building soil health, keeping water sources clean, increasing individual awareness of our own part in climate regeneration/restoration. I am hoping that by sharing this hands-on process there will be a multi-way share of information with others about the elements; soil, clay, mineral resources, water. By participating, we all can learn about environmental conditions, help raise local awareness of challenges that may need our support in order to thrive. Encourage creative, critical thinking, and build connections through inventive ideas and expressions of beauty.

Climate change/climate collapse and Systems-restoration:
Using local clays, calls attention to the local impacts of the use of resources, soils, clays, minerals, and the importance of building soil health, keeping water sources flowing and clean, and the importance of diverse plant materials to hold soils to keep desertification at bay and increasing individual participation in climate regeneration/restoration.

Recycling and repurposing: I will be using recycled papers made from pulped waste papers and fibers in the ‘gratitude’ books that I send to participants, as well as in the book or series of books that contain paste papers made from all the samples. I am asking participants to send the clay samples in recyclable containers. I will use these to make tools to create patterning on the paste papers. I hope that this project will encourage inventive, critical thinking, and build world wide cultural connections through encouraging participants to use recyclable materials for tool making to create unique expressions of beauty, and to care for their local and world habitat by understanding our connection to the earthly elements.

What is in it for you? An interesting way to build awareness of basic life elements within your local conditions. Connecting with others who are involved in the creative process and actively learning to use and treasure our earthly resources. Find joy in making art! (All this, besides receiving a ‘gratitude journal’ that I make for you; made with hand made paper with clays from Maryland (USA) on the paste papered covers.)

TIMELINE

April – August 2024

Gather samples of clay (and beyond this date as well). Gather information and create information handouts and pdfs for downloads on my website.
Design, create and produce pamphlet books with paste paper covers (using my own local clay) to send as thank you’s for participants who send me their local clay samples. The books will include handmade papers made from recycled materials.
Add to the website information bibliography, charts, ecological references on (localized) elements of soil, clay, mineral, and water quality.
Contact soil and conservation offices to gather information or possible sites for clay samples.

September – December 2024

Paste paper production, compiling and writing information about samples gathered thus far, and designing specimen book or series of books.
Make the hand made paper using pulp made from recycled materials. (The ‘gratitude’ books will include handmade papers made from recycled materials.)
Perhaps travel to some US sites where I have gaps in the samples gathered if possible.
Hold workshops for paste paper making and ecology.

Jan – August 2025

Repeat this process (above) adding to sample store, and papers produced.
Presentations to school groups, or clubs: contact me if you have interest in this project or want to participate as a group to gather clays.
Create campaign for outreach for more samples worldwide.
Establish map pinpointing sample sources, and ecological challenges with soils and water quality.
Hold workshops for creating paste papers for interested participant (groups or individuals).
Create some kind of pen-pal system to promote interaction with other participants (with permissions).
Post stories to inspire action, hope, healing the earth.
Finish first folio or series of folios (depending on the quantity of samples I am able to gather. Have these available for purchase with some of the proceeds going towards support for ecological causes or groups doing positive work to heal our ecosystems.