Co-existence

Coexistence; a practice that visually explores the relationship shared between the natural environment and the human body

I am inspired by the natural world and this is represented through my artwork and artistic endeavours. My creative practice aims to visually investigate the coexistence of humans with various natural elements and landscapes. 

Nature: The phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations: the breathtaking beauty of nature’(Oxforddictionaries.com, 2020)

Exploring the body in conjunction with nature means considering the human as a whole, which is a concept that has directed my practice in seeking the overall position that humans hold within the natural environment. This ongoing  research has led to a personal belief that nature is the basis for all life, with which the human race has grown along side, and then arguably apart. The very way we define and view our species as a separate entity, by way of talking ‘to’ nature, not ‘as’ nature (I believe) is key in the divide so prevalent today.  

A facinating topic addressed in the publication ‘The experience of nature,’ is ‘Attention Restoration Theory (ART);’ which enlightens readers to the effects that different environmental factors can have on the human brain. ART is S and R Kaplan’s  theory explaining that nature has the capacity to renew attention after exerting mental energy. This theory, in conjunction with the article ‘Walking to Create an Aesthetic and Spiritual Currere by Rita L. Irwin, contributes to the informed method of exploration, relied upon throughout my practice.

Irwin takes the reader for a theoretical “walk in her shoes”, describing her surroundings as she travels from one space to another. The importance of this journey is highlighted throughout and is used as a visual reference for the reader to gain an understanding of the physicality of this active process.  The article introduces Irwin’s idea of ‘currere’ in relation to the spiritual. ‘Currere is the active form of curriculum; a currere emphasizes acts of inquiry over a course of action’ (Irwin, 2006, p. 75). This interesting evaluation of the term, suggests unique ways to relate to and record a person’s transition through nature, similarly to the ways in which ‘mindfulness’ can introduce poignant investigations. Understanding Irwin’s definition of currere, enables ways to consider the physical and mental aspects of exploration via the active process of documentation, generating new ways to record information to be referenced at a later time.

Through my preferred mediums of paint and illustration, a range of ideas in regards to nature and the body are explored, whilst questioning the natural and how we (as humans) fit this definition. This ever-evolving investigation also considers how the natural environment can affect us mentally and physically. In conclusion, my work is largely experiential and experimental with my love of nature being the underlying force driving my creative endeavours. I look forward to watching further benefits and outcomes as they grow in conjunction with the Artelier artists.

Irwin, R L, 2006. Walking to Create an Aesthetic and Spiritual Currere. Visual Arts Research, Vol. 32,#. 1,

Kaplan, R. and Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Melanie Fidler

April 2020