“Origins” Installation

 
 

The "Origins" installation at 806 Charnelton in Eugene, Oregon explores the vestiges of nature and mark-making to illustrate how biology and geology relate to humanity’s fragility and our interdependence to the earth.

“Origins” is inspired by the raw elements of the Earth - rock, water and air, with a nod towards the roots that connect and sustain us, intertwining the natural world with human existence.

In these three installation pieces I’m using traditional printmaking and sculptural techniques in new ways to explore how life begins in the depths of rock and ocean, and transforms cellular organisms. 

The “Whispering Roots” installation contains dozens of individual pieces of art made of paper, fabric and wire and string that celebrate the resilient roots, mycelium networks, and the delicate dance of the underground. It serves as a visual exploration of the profound connections between humans, nature, climate change, and our evolving relationship with the environment. 

The “Emerging” installation features wire sculptures suspended from the ceiling, next to handprinted fabric, and explores the beginnings of cellular life, as chemical energy creates and transforms cellular organisms.

The “Biology Rising'' installation is inspired by Volvox, freshwater algae that form daughter colonies who work together to survive. It’s made of hundreds of circles created with monotypes printed on vintage tissue paper sewing patterns using gel pads. The prints are then attached to hand twisted wire circles, dipped in beeswax and hung in a large column. It is lit from below, and glows at night.

Please click through here for more photos of “Ogrins” and contact me at julie@juliejulie.co if you'd like more information about this piece.

“Whispering Roots,” part of the “Origins” installation.

The “Emerging” installation explores the beginnings of cellular life,

“Biology Rising,” the column, reminds us of freshwater algae as it forms volvox daughter colonies to push themselves towards the light at the top of the river as they seek the sunlight they need to survive.