https://michaelamorse.com Michaela Morse Sun, 17 Mar 2024 19:57:12 +0000 https://michaelamorse.com en https://michaelamorse.com/Index-Home Sat, 23 Sep 2023 21:53:15 +0000 Michaela Morse https://michaelamorse.com/Index-Home <img width="3001" height="3000" width_o="3001" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/20afa143547e1e148f067987ee6999e5433bb413ba38d5f3b428e06e06e52d8b/Artist-s-Mark_large-graphic_stronger-_semibold-03.png" data-mid="204364338" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/20afa143547e1e148f067987ee6999e5433bb413ba38d5f3b428e06e06e52d8b/Artist-s-Mark_large-graphic_stronger-_semibold-03.png" /> Michaela Morse Interdisciplinary conceptual artist https://michaelamorse.com/my-dried-hot-drinks-series Sat, 23 Sep 2023 21:53:15 +0000 Michaela Morse https://michaelamorse.com/my-dried-hot-drinks-series my dried hot drinks my dried hot drinks (2019-present) is an ongoing, multidimensional practice that uses dried coffee grounds, tea leaves, yerba mate and herbal infusions to explore the tensions of my implicit human subjectivity and my desires to be in allyship with nonhuman materials. <img width="2400" height="1600" width_o="2400" height_o="1600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e8835e1078acabbc6494bc8801b02f527b036d6ce7c623d785715fb1edf3682b/Morse_MDHD_jars-37-40.jpg" data-mid="193777046" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e8835e1078acabbc6494bc8801b02f527b036d6ce7c623d785715fb1edf3682b/Morse_MDHD_jars-37-40.jpg" /> As an out-of-balance biosphere is pushing back on contemporary human ways of living through fires, infectious diseases and extreme weather, we are acutely reminded of our species’ precarious position in this relational place. At the same time, we are invited to move towards a more balanced relationship with the planet, one in which the livelihoods of all entities are always already inextricable. Human being is just one way of being; if the world is to flourish in the face of this unprecedented age of anthropogenic climate change, the extractive perspectives of dominant political ecologies must be re-oriented in recognition of how we are intertwined with the entities of all systems of life. A truly global notion of ecological justice must be advanced. My efforts to practice a more world-centered way of thinking join a chorus of Indigenous ecologies, ancestral cosmologies and other historically non-dominant intellectual traditions. In this work I endeavor to think from and along side materials – rather than about them – as I reflect deeply on the contemporary challenges of living in harmony with the world. Throughout the development of my dried hot drinks, I have come to recognize all the materials I work with, indeed all things in this world, to be their own entities, alive with vitality and agency as they go through the continuous changes of life. <img width="2096" height="1572" width_o="2096" height_o="1572" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3def85aebbd5d06e7cf7159e07182d3e83a22caa596a3ae950d1a2373dce3556/Zion-NP_jar-in-landscape_small.jpg" data-mid="193710134" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3def85aebbd5d06e7cf7159e07182d3e83a22caa596a3ae950d1a2373dce3556/Zion-NP_jar-in-landscape_small.jpg" /> <img width="2457" height="1382" width_o="2457" height_o="1382" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e863cfcf8cf0d1da142a5b362352c0b4fd65c9278bceac44d4ccfa772537ed32/Grand-Canyon_jar-in-landscape_small.jpg" data-mid="193710126" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e863cfcf8cf0d1da142a5b362352c0b4fd65c9278bceac44d4ccfa772537ed32/Grand-Canyon_jar-in-landscape_small.jpg" /> As expressed by anthropologist Tim Ingold, our species is always experiencing direct exchanges with all things;&nbsp; “my seeing things is the way things see through me, my hearing them is the way they hear through me, my feeling them is the way they feel through me.” <img width="6000" height="3376" width_o="6000" height_o="3376" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2847b407cf89409e5e2dd8562b6368151a4c96eff3a0f4731b5ef470d79d5401/DSCF1361.JPG" data-mid="193710122" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2847b407cf89409e5e2dd8562b6368151a4c96eff3a0f4731b5ef470d79d5401/DSCF1361.JPG" /> <img width="5328" height="4000" width_o="5328" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8ca65985ac802be2ad7e5b0c32b2b72cdfdca975b2ca6d4c03fd9e2b0df7140a/DSCF0673.JPG" data-mid="193710120" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8ca65985ac802be2ad7e5b0c32b2b72cdfdca975b2ca6d4c03fd9e2b0df7140a/DSCF0673.JPG" /> <img width="5328" height="3992" width_o="5328" height_o="3992" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6df1b337cc99420a67e78423f9998974e70726696ac7876c3294fcb0df73ee1a/Smoke-photo-stack_2a.jpg" data-mid="193710132" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6df1b337cc99420a67e78423f9998974e70726696ac7876c3294fcb0df73ee1a/Smoke-photo-stack_2a.jpg" /> Photography has become an emerging part of my practice as the materials of&nbsp;my dried hot drinks have asked me to frame the lyrical movements present in the layers of each jar through the lens of the camera. Likewise, looking at the lively exchanges between one jar with another, photographic documentation offers a moment to focus and reflect on our coexistence; human beings, flora, fauna and all materials in one shared place. <img width="6238" height="999" width_o="6238" height_o="999" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/44c40a61ea2a0d452781788bf90bc4819c49dadc7bdf3abd32cb3055a5e392eb/Morse_mydriedhotdrinks-line-up_01.jpg" data-mid="193710131" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/44c40a61ea2a0d452781788bf90bc4819c49dadc7bdf3abd32cb3055a5e392eb/Morse_mydriedhotdrinks-line-up_01.jpg" /> Acknowledging the ground beneath our feet as a consistent thread in my thinking, and I am encouraged to see the Earth’s geological layers reflected in these images. Stretching down for many miles, the layers of the planet contain a timespan that is much greater than our own. They tell a story of the Earth and reflect how humans have impacted it. We are at once a key player and nothing but a blip in an infinite world of lively entities. <img width="2471" height="1467" width_o="2471" height_o="1467" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d8ef5a34569862ba6c4e18bea38bf4a9e7ee51af257392ef9ac86d19ed301fba/Square-jar_unwrapped_small.jpg" data-mid="193710133" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d8ef5a34569862ba6c4e18bea38bf4a9e7ee51af257392ef9ac86d19ed301fba/Square-jar_unwrapped_small.jpg" /> <img width="2140" height="1360" width_o="2140" height_o="1360" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f357ed3ce308b985250fa74839c11857ea9b5f9f82ca5819055360f617bb8c51/Hawaii-jar_unwrapped_small.jpg" data-mid="193710127" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f357ed3ce308b985250fa74839c11857ea9b5f9f82ca5819055360f617bb8c51/Hawaii-jar_unwrapped_small.jpg" /> <img width="2126" height="1511" width_o="2126" height_o="1511" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5025b9c3678224d702aaccd7a5d15dcb92ef25faf840fe3af26fb76b2512a545/Giant-jar_unwrapped_small.jpg" data-mid="193710125" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5025b9c3678224d702aaccd7a5d15dcb92ef25faf840fe3af26fb76b2512a545/Giant-jar_unwrapped_small.jpg" /> &nbsp; <img width="4000" height="5328" width_o="4000" height_o="5328" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4e0238385336ca677ab7701a27eba011f10af4f60a46bf53a11a54c65623f8ed/1.-DSCF1248.jpg" data-mid="193710119" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4e0238385336ca677ab7701a27eba011f10af4f60a46bf53a11a54c65623f8ed/1.-DSCF1248.jpg" /> <img width="4000" height="5328" width_o="4000" height_o="5328" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/22dc54e17840dc3cf5725939674c549d627132e4d05f3ee4c4ef1c571ef94a9e/1.-DSCF1122.jpg" data-mid="193710118" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/22dc54e17840dc3cf5725939674c549d627132e4d05f3ee4c4ef1c571ef94a9e/1.-DSCF1122.jpg" /> <img width="2128" height="1599" width_o="2128" height_o="1599" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/36bfbbf209a73242e118067aa3dac6d86abe7f041681e51a0d8319017c14b7da/Hawaii-Volcanoes-NP_jar-in-landscape_small.jpg" data-mid="193710129" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/36bfbbf209a73242e118067aa3dac6d86abe7f041681e51a0d8319017c14b7da/Hawaii-Volcanoes-NP_jar-in-landscape_small.jpg" /> <img width="1998" height="1500" width_o="1998" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5a76a523891fd0d179e45dfceae17f79c91b940e05ef8a4c730585b692bd4c30/Aerial-photos_looped_small.gif" data-mid="193710693" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5a76a523891fd0d179e45dfceae17f79c91b940e05ef8a4c730585b692bd4c30/Aerial-photos_looped_small.gif" /> There is a kind of unraveling of self-importance the more one becomes aware of everything else that occurs around and within oneself, the more one understands, as you say, one’s personal smallness, but also one’s fundamental connection to almost everything, a connection we don’t often recognize but which is more satisfying, in the long run, than self-affirmation. This is an affirmation of belonging to the world, to nature, to society, to others, and not just of one’s domination of these domains. —Elizabeth Gorsz <img width="2048" height="1152" width_o="2048" height_o="1152" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/96810a3766c8ed974f320753369ef69edea6aef8f2358b3b4e3b22b1ac090a51/DSCF2891_LR.jpg" data-mid="193710123" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/96810a3766c8ed974f320753369ef69edea6aef8f2358b3b4e3b22b1ac090a51/DSCF2891_LR.jpg" /> <img width="6000" height="3376" width_o="6000" height_o="3376" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6c2a16ef7e086fb022a3fd7ee7744317aa6950361a350b32ebf9a8b6f8654f19/DSCF1336.JPG" data-mid="193710121" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6c2a16ef7e086fb022a3fd7ee7744317aa6950361a350b32ebf9a8b6f8654f19/DSCF1336.JPG" /> my dried hot drinks: A meditation Step 1: Slow down and brew yourself a hot drink. Enter into your response to the climate crisis. Step 2: Consume the drink and sit quietly, taking time and care to breathe, listen, grieve, and observe the emotions in your body. <img width="4004" height="6000" width_o="4004" height_o="6000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/918cbbe91226cc999f6eb6d84f782a85f753b032dcf1e6e2afd202a26ff8e966/Focus-stack_2783-85_sharpened.jpg" data-mid="193710124" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/918cbbe91226cc999f6eb6d84f782a85f753b032dcf1e6e2afd202a26ff8e966/Focus-stack_2783-85_sharpened.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1823" width_o="1080" height_o="1823" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/60e51b2c55230d95eed5094ef8426790c171c95d538a191b6b7f284d011c21e4/Smoke-triptych_1080pxWide.jpg" data-mid="193711431" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/60e51b2c55230d95eed5094ef8426790c171c95d538a191b6b7f284d011c21e4/Smoke-triptych_1080pxWide.jpg" /> Step 3: Spread the tea leaves, coffee grounds, or other drink matter out to dry. As you get to know these materials, recognize their contributions to your state of being, and how they sustain you. Step 4: Once dry, collect the drink matter into a transparent vessel, to hold on to the moments they offered you. The result may look much like the materials you started with; it may feel futile. Step 5: Repeat daily and witness the drinks as they accumulate. Observe from as many angles as possible. <img width="2133" height="1200" width_o="2133" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/14ed8b62de6acff3a0196e1b99814bb7759b505a78e2624e748520b6a9189947/Smoke-GIF_1475-1481_1200pxTall.gif" data-mid="193711432" border="0" data-scale="86" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/14ed8b62de6acff3a0196e1b99814bb7759b505a78e2624e748520b6a9189947/Smoke-GIF_1475-1481_1200pxTall.gif" /> As your meditation evolves, reflect on other ways of being in the world. Follow the material to develop a relationship to this place built on a mutual recognition of all entities. In the alternate landscapes that emerge we may depart from our human exceptionalism and work towards a truly global conception of ecological justice. <img width="6000" height="2700" width_o="6000" height_o="2700" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ac4e1afd87e4e72986fe0efe53a3d057f806133c81c6cbc7e97251426f089718/Morse_Michaela_Artwork-2_mydriedhotdrinks.jpg" data-mid="193710130" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ac4e1afd87e4e72986fe0efe53a3d057f806133c81c6cbc7e97251426f089718/Morse_Michaela_Artwork-2_mydriedhotdrinks.jpg" /> Exhibitions 2024 Resilience: 25th Annual Joan L. Dunfey Juried Exhibition, Levy Gallery: New Hampshire Art Association (Portsmouth, NH), juried by Devon Zimmerman, Curator, Modern and Contemporary Art, Ogunquit Museum of American Art Destination: Nature, Fivesparks Gallery: Harvard Conservation Trust (Harvard, MA), juried by Jane Winchell, Curator and Director, Art &amp; Nature Center, Peabody Essex Museum Aura, Kathryn Schultz Gallery: Cambridge Art Association (Cambridge, MA), juried by Tessa Bachi Haas, Assistant Curator, Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston Art: A Visual Feast, StoveFactory Gallery: Artists' Group of Charlestown (Charlestown, MA), juried by James Heskett, with co-jurors Pat McSweeney and Laurie Sigmund Changing Tides, Hopkinton Center for the Arts (Hopkinton, MA), curated by Rebecca McGee Tuck for i3C Artists and guests Eat With Your Eyes, Gallery 263 (Cambridge, MA), juried by Silvia Bottinelli Reimagining Our World: Rejected Materials Reinvented, LexArt: Lexington Arts &amp; Crafts Society (Lexington, MA), curated by Martha Heller and Adriana G. Prat for i3C Artists 2023 Metamorphosis: Artistic Visions for a Resilient Planet, Scollay Gallery, Boston City Hall (Boston, MA), curated by Rebecca McGee Tuck for i3C Artists The Non-Human is Pushing Back, Piano Craft Gallery (Boston, MA), participant and co-curator with Jeffrey Nowlin and Adriana G. Prat for i3C Artists Then and Now: UVA’s 10 Year Retrospective, Arthaus Gallery (Allston, MA), curated by Emelia Misail and Jennifer Turpin for Unbound Visual Arts Harvard Staff Art Show, Countway Library (Boston, MA) Inspiring Change for the Climate Crisis, Brickbottom Gallery: Brickbottom Artists Association (Somerville, MA), curated by Adriana G. Prat for i3C Artists2022 Inspiring Change for the Climate Crisis – Art Inspired by Climate Science: A Call to Action, Belmont Gallery of Art (Belmont, MA), curated by Adriana G. Prat for i3C Artists | View virtual gallery on exhibition website Meditations on the Climate Crisis: Inspiring Change 2022, honeyjones Gallery (Cambridge, MA), curated by Adriana G. Prat for i3C Artists Inspiring Change for the Climate Crisis, Arthaus Gallery, Unbound Visual Arts2021 Self-Preservation: A Complex Human Instinct, Unbound Visual Arts (Virtual), curated by Cecilia Christman PressRead about an installation of my dried hot drinks at Piano Craft Gallery in Fenway News, October 2023. Watch a brief interview on my dried hot drinks at Belmot Gallery of Art, aired by the Belmont Media Center, January 2023. <img width="3376" height="5064" width_o="3376" height_o="5064" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7358d8d3c1946e276766495b9767c47d673d8462a9a376f641f85fb008adda9a/17_BAA-show_edited.jpg" data-mid="204378160" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7358d8d3c1946e276766495b9767c47d673d8462a9a376f641f85fb008adda9a/17_BAA-show_edited.jpg" /> <img width="5932" height="3338" width_o="5932" height_o="3338" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5682eedb25ec1516f0e04a2a6c85550791fdb9ceb5bea4e68df56db41860b857/14_BAA-show_edited.jpg" data-mid="206994808" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5682eedb25ec1516f0e04a2a6c85550791fdb9ceb5bea4e68df56db41860b857/14_BAA-show_edited.jpg" /> <img width="6000" height="3376" width_o="6000" height_o="3376" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/897e96e61a98ea13e422e82eaaa71ae51d569c20d29e76f8e4cbc4033e793c33/DSCF5497.JPG" data-mid="206994799" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/897e96e61a98ea13e422e82eaaa71ae51d569c20d29e76f8e4cbc4033e793c33/DSCF5497.JPG" /> https://michaelamorse.com/my-dried-hot-drinks-process Sat, 14 Oct 2023 19:20:14 +0000 Michaela Morse https://michaelamorse.com/my-dried-hot-drinks-process my dried hot drinks: Process Brewing specialty coffees, loose leaf teas, tisanes and other infusions has been a regular morning ritual of mine since adolescence. Heating the water and preparing the organic matter is a moment of personal communion to start my day, to feel grounded within the greater Earth body that sustains me.&nbsp; Since 2019, I have recorded what I brew each morning, dried out the coffee grounds, tea leaves, mate flakes, etc. and saved the drink matter in repurposed glass jars. As more of my energies have gone into learning about climate change, this daily practice has become a means of self-care, to cope in the face of natural devastation and grieve for those disproportionately impacted by its effects. <img width="6000" height="3376" width_o="6000" height_o="3376" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f814fa158cb8ee1ae88907b7cd82ab6ac46099110575387d0ca0658f40de586c/DSCF1735.JPG" data-mid="193713804" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f814fa158cb8ee1ae88907b7cd82ab6ac46099110575387d0ca0658f40de586c/DSCF1735.JPG" /> <img width="4494" height="3370" width_o="4494" height_o="3370" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1d62499618686a3136ba72d5aa4b71d92c56c4d9ccf39735f3a560de9225b6f4/DSCF1604.jpg" data-mid="193713803" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1d62499618686a3136ba72d5aa4b71d92c56c4d9ccf39735f3a560de9225b6f4/DSCF1604.jpg" /> <img width="1200" height="1598" width_o="1200" height_o="1598" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3ebe6b4c51f4e68a2e19c899677a48790376f17a6bf5de71919d5513bdef6033/Drying-Tray-GIF_1-14--1-17--1-26_V1_075-delay_1200pxWide.gif" data-mid="193713802" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3ebe6b4c51f4e68a2e19c899677a48790376f17a6bf5de71919d5513bdef6033/Drying-Tray-GIF_1-14--1-17--1-26_V1_075-delay_1200pxWide.gif" /> <img width="1001" height="1334" width_o="1001" height_o="1334" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d2800796e9264f5e564a4c98189765aafc9d244844c5c0e3361b47537354231a/Morse_mydriedhotdrinks-journal_01.jpg" data-mid="193713805" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d2800796e9264f5e564a4c98189765aafc9d244844c5c0e3361b47537354231a/Morse_mydriedhotdrinks-journal_01.jpg" /> <img width="1001" height="1334" width_o="1001" height_o="1334" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2dfd09b66bf6b347fa61df1e4f5f7cebe6b4e351a1ffdb2f8806ac05ca0923cf/Morse_mydriedhotdrinks-journal_04.jpg" data-mid="193713808" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2dfd09b66bf6b347fa61df1e4f5f7cebe6b4e351a1ffdb2f8806ac05ca0923cf/Morse_mydriedhotdrinks-journal_04.jpg" /> <img width="1001" height="1334" width_o="1001" height_o="1334" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/146f5e8d902993c743e142a37a447f87394f0889deafff2dde3fbec9c9f60a0f/Morse_mydriedhotdrinks-journal_03.jpg" data-mid="193713807" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/146f5e8d902993c743e142a37a447f87394f0889deafff2dde3fbec9c9f60a0f/Morse_mydriedhotdrinks-journal_03.jpg" /> In this inward response to the climate crisis that wrestles with the complicity of my being in the world, I have experimented with embedding the dried drink matter in handmade papers and coating these sheet in wax, as well as activating them through the lens of the camera. There is a definite bitterness towards my inherited human exceptionalism that seems to have led me to capturing the drinks for my own purposes, but as the days pass and I spend more time with these materials, I feel as though they are inching me ever closer towards an understanding of interbeing with the rest of life. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/879eae5743a8731cd465a840ee7d7132a78c4ad49f1067823547882c6c840cf7/Filling-jar_gif_14MB.gif" data-mid="193714065" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/879eae5743a8731cd465a840ee7d7132a78c4ad49f1067823547882c6c840cf7/Filling-jar_gif_14MB.gif" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3378878f5ddf85a4a98bf7b406d96b59d7790987c72e2d1c24a16407445a88c9/20200411_153240.jpg" data-mid="193713799" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3378878f5ddf85a4a98bf7b406d96b59d7790987c72e2d1c24a16407445a88c9/20200411_153240.jpg" /> <img width="3375" height="2250" width_o="3375" height_o="2250" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/976100a7a2cea83080ebc2392689e914e41419802c1fed9c25ab5614ea260d6e/Dried-drink-papers_straight-on_8-in-grid.jpg" data-mid="193713801" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/976100a7a2cea83080ebc2392689e914e41419802c1fed9c25ab5614ea260d6e/Dried-drink-papers_straight-on_8-in-grid.jpg" /> <img width="3024" height="4032" width_o="3024" height_o="4032" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fb2869748b607af3361a5e4da720167f926d0ea267dd6e6c3a595e0558ed7023/20200411_155404.jpg" data-mid="193713800" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fb2869748b607af3361a5e4da720167f926d0ea267dd6e6c3a595e0558ed7023/20200411_155404.jpg" /> Looking deeply into your tea, you see that you are drinking fragrant plants that are the gift of Mother Earth. You see the labor of the tea pickers; you see the luscious tea fields and plantations in Sri Lanka, China, and Vietnam. You know that you are drinking a cloud; you are drinking the rain. The tea contains the whole universe.—Thích Nhất Hạnh https://michaelamorse.com/SMFA-Garden-About-the-Garden Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:55:19 +0000 Michaela Morse https://michaelamorse.com/SMFA-Garden-About-the-Garden SMFA Garden The SMFA Garden is an ongoing collaboration to support local pollinators at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) at Tufts University and to cultivate artistic cross-pollination throughout the greater SMFA at Tufts community. The garden is made of seven large planters located at the SMFA's main 230 Fenway building in Boston, situated on balconies off the central atrium and school library. On a biological level, the container beds feature plant species which are native to New England and flower perennially to provide food resources for local insect pollinator populations. On a social level, the SMFA Garden brings refreshing greenery into the school's industrial urban space, offers space for students to install artworks and builds connections across SMFA at Tufts. The garden relies on the engagement, knowledge and experiences of all beings in the community to continue blooming. Funding for the SMFA Garden was provided by the Tufts University Green Fund in its 2019-2020 application cycle. After delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, the garden was established in 2022. Much gratitude goes to my project partner, Lauren Kimball-Brown of the SMFA Library, as well as the SMFA Sustainability Committee, the Tufts Green Fund Committee, SMFA Facilities, administrators, studio managers, faculty, staff, students, alumni and countless others who have supported the project. <img width="5959" height="3972" width_o="5959" height_o="3972" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f960fc5854dfee9cff877286dabd9543087adb5108e2a3540edf6c721c2cb4c5/garden-4.jpg" data-mid="191833957" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f960fc5854dfee9cff877286dabd9543087adb5108e2a3540edf6c721c2cb4c5/garden-4.jpg" /> SMFA Garden Established 2022 Lauren Kimball-Brown &amp; Séphora Bergiste pose with SMFA Garden planter box <img width="5184" height="3456" width_o="5184" height_o="3456" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b4e37630a118ec1e9ef83e20a7d638e3dd8b66c114a96d536d5e9046bb019429/52297383806_1d3ec75018_o.jpg" data-mid="191833955" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b4e37630a118ec1e9ef83e20a7d638e3dd8b66c114a96d536d5e9046bb019429/52297383806_1d3ec75018_o.jpg" /> <img width="4500" height="3000" width_o="4500" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/982d5877e7b391798d9aee5c1ff000ef53ec9d3fc5f3bf09c3f516a9ba164fbb/garden-19_med-file.jpg" data-mid="191834695" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/982d5877e7b391798d9aee5c1ff000ef53ec9d3fc5f3bf09c3f516a9ba164fbb/garden-19_med-file.jpg" /> <img width="4500" height="3000" width_o="4500" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9e972163a51ebdd636bf557abf664e65d697d52177a7be92817943fda60e8119/garden-14_med-file.jpg" data-mid="191834694" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9e972163a51ebdd636bf557abf664e65d697d52177a7be92817943fda60e8119/garden-14_med-file.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/85df989826cfd44e51e3cd1b8bc35f9a95561c7f3d4d877b7cd2ac1b8772819b/52180610624_7c18e6cb31_o.jpg" data-mid="191833953" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/85df989826cfd44e51e3cd1b8bc35f9a95561c7f3d4d877b7cd2ac1b8772819b/52180610624_7c18e6cb31_o.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/865082af6c547042a9ba897070bdba9cd834da03f1977332bf778bd19fb53587/52180850540_39cb17c41e_o.jpg" data-mid="191833954" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/865082af6c547042a9ba897070bdba9cd834da03f1977332bf778bd19fb53587/52180850540_39cb17c41e_o.jpg" /> <img width="6240" height="4160" width_o="6240" height_o="4160" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/edce382b18fd130ff9b010d4672ba57ca71536ef8faceaf0cda049b8ba650463/garden-8.jpg" data-mid="191833958" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/edce382b18fd130ff9b010d4672ba57ca71536ef8faceaf0cda049b8ba650463/garden-8.jpg" /> <img width="4160" height="6240" width_o="4160" height_o="6240" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6c04c9f7da5675509249cb6eda8eceb765de940b450c1852d47de5ce6e94e9b7/garden-10.jpg" data-mid="191833960" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6c04c9f7da5675509249cb6eda8eceb765de940b450c1852d47de5ce6e94e9b7/garden-10.jpg" /> <img width="5184" height="3456" width_o="5184" height_o="3456" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/78bde59b8d7ebd81338146ed6095336a090495a7787d85a9f0e99ea634622dfa/52297649379_f5a710f0cc_o.jpg" data-mid="191833956" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/78bde59b8d7ebd81338146ed6095336a090495a7787d85a9f0e99ea634622dfa/52297649379_f5a710f0cc_o.jpg" /> <img width="4500" height="3000" width_o="4500" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/26c7aa65b5e080f1442d29d77acbcae8ca7e704ba6fb747907ce38ae2336b7a5/garden-9_med-file.jpg" data-mid="191834693" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/26c7aa65b5e080f1442d29d77acbcae8ca7e704ba6fb747907ce38ae2336b7a5/garden-9_med-file.jpg" /> <img width="3024" height="3024" width_o="3024" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cc79af18c48e01310110fac9c58e8ba5efd3810f218bd8a5860c6eb236263450/52180360021_563a5e1361_o.jpg" data-mid="191833952" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cc79af18c48e01310110fac9c58e8ba5efd3810f218bd8a5860c6eb236263450/52180360021_563a5e1361_o.jpg" /> <img width="6000" height="4000" width_o="6000" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fca9ecb87d9ac89e3cd6961c414741a8e7fcd65e0cd71f1c22f6d3404e4a5eba/49779754757_47d31d4f10_o.jpg" data-mid="191834691" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fca9ecb87d9ac89e3cd6961c414741a8e7fcd65e0cd71f1c22f6d3404e4a5eba/49779754757_47d31d4f10_o.jpg" /> <img width="1262" height="947" width_o="1262" height_o="947" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4bcf6ec920909d557be5e6aa552cec55f68d5be76da50c839d57fd704072857d/50401080583_c3fffe07c1_o.jpg" data-mid="191834692" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4bcf6ec920909d557be5e6aa552cec55f68d5be76da50c839d57fd704072857d/50401080583_c3fffe07c1_o.jpg" /> Current Garden ActivitiesVisit go.tufts.edu/SMFAgarden for resources on the importance of native plant and pollinator species, on art, ecology and plant-based studio practices, and for upcoming garden programming. A list of plants growing in the SMFA Garden is also available. Garden activities include: HSS workshops: Since 2020, the SMFA Garden has participated in the school's annual Health, Safety, and Sustainability Week by offering workshops on a range of topics, including seed-starting and gardening for pollinators, garden design, zines and artists' books on gardens and food, and activist art and gardening. Seed Library: As of 2023, the SMFA Garden is collaborating with the SMFA at Tufts Library to bring a seed library to the university community. Individuals can "checkout" seeds to cultivate in their dorms or apartments and are encouraged to harvest and "return" seeds at the end of the growing season. Exhibitions &amp; engagement by student groups &amp; classes: In 2022 the SMFA Garden planter boxes were outfitted with trellises and stakes for installing artworks amongst the plants. Student groups and classes are invited to curate exhibitions and performances in the garden, and to engage with the site through means such as focused visits for observational drawing or harvesting of plant material for use in papermaking. <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/416749eb5ed9ebc8d029869c4a860bd517f0ebabd13f5ea9eda4b9eda527e2af/52018835495_19b34d67d8_o.jpg" data-mid="191833950" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/416749eb5ed9ebc8d029869c4a860bd517f0ebabd13f5ea9eda4b9eda527e2af/52018835495_19b34d67d8_o.jpg" /> <img width="3024" height="4032" width_o="3024" height_o="4032" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a8fee3eff820225851f0740d4b43ea452442ca6aa5ee61c0135e307e767aed32/52018327686_3c0cd23d5f_o.jpg" data-mid="191833948" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a8fee3eff820225851f0740d4b43ea452442ca6aa5ee61c0135e307e767aed32/52018327686_3c0cd23d5f_o.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1536" width_o="2048" height_o="1536" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ed89f75479fb95b76c2373e0f2eed41cd2c9df98ebb4356d9b8e320aa1f26fce/HSS-22-workshop_seed-packets.jpg" data-mid="191833961" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ed89f75479fb95b76c2373e0f2eed41cd2c9df98ebb4356d9b8e320aa1f26fce/HSS-22-workshop_seed-packets.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cde7ed9f2a5f1bdd34fbd318898abc76e40bd99136eaf3ccd6a2d4ef045f231e/52018329261_b345cf7ab0_o.jpg" data-mid="191833949" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cde7ed9f2a5f1bdd34fbd318898abc76e40bd99136eaf3ccd6a2d4ef045f231e/52018329261_b345cf7ab0_o.jpg" /> <img width="6000" height="4000" width_o="6000" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/22a505698cb3c9ae3fda43c93f75e326a75b2e2f50a761c05a816599a945246e/49779754497_fa3a603014_o.jpg" data-mid="191833947" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/22a505698cb3c9ae3fda43c93f75e326a75b2e2f50a761c05a816599a945246e/49779754497_fa3a603014_o.jpg" /> <img width="6000" height="4000" width_o="6000" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/05cf49cc449e18439fc7476285e67659fc8d137a0b83c8d9c60ec3560386d67d/49779754347_2a3583fd25_o.jpg" data-mid="191834690" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/05cf49cc449e18439fc7476285e67659fc8d137a0b83c8d9c60ec3560386d67d/49779754347_2a3583fd25_o.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/37163a05fbc72ba63fe74fd8f60a5acc990d81438aef3d06d5718a3bd7e1aa0f/52071663565_ba4293365b_o.jpg" data-mid="191833951" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/37163a05fbc72ba63fe74fd8f60a5acc990d81438aef3d06d5718a3bd7e1aa0f/52071663565_ba4293365b_o.jpg" /> <img width="3646" height="1994" width_o="3646" height_o="1994" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/01d5151dc6a9a2ecfd2002c4e289fdee4f9447944db3616ca3182daaeabef8fa/Seed-papers_HSS-wkshp-21-handout.jpg" data-mid="191833963" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/01d5151dc6a9a2ecfd2002c4e289fdee4f9447944db3616ca3182daaeabef8fa/Seed-papers_HSS-wkshp-21-handout.jpg" /> <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3dd03bc5ed2aa4ec41d9f9ea106423e1fde3e77ff8425ef8426f97d73092a03d/Seed-library_SMFA-Garden.jpeg" data-mid="193701629" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3dd03bc5ed2aa4ec41d9f9ea106423e1fde3e77ff8425ef8426f97d73092a03d/Seed-library_SMFA-Garden.jpeg" /> <img width="1536" height="2048" width_o="1536" height_o="2048" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c2b83fd3195488851154e6cb90a8c1f7c80301ee706202e16e2b6c3263b44cf5/2023.3-Tisch-display.JPG" data-mid="193701627" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c2b83fd3195488851154e6cb90a8c1f7c80301ee706202e16e2b6c3263b44cf5/2023.3-Tisch-display.JPG" /> <img width="1280" height="960" width_o="1280" height_o="960" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/849ea90cf18c150717cda55e3a2da1d040c25a9f99cb1be4612cb3e26367d10e/2023.3-Vet-seed-giveaway-1.jpg" data-mid="193701628" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/849ea90cf18c150717cda55e3a2da1d040c25a9f99cb1be4612cb3e26367d10e/2023.3-Vet-seed-giveaway-1.jpg" /> &nbsp;&nbsp; https://michaelamorse.com/SMFA-Garden-How-the-garden-sprouted Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:56:06 +0000 Michaela Morse https://michaelamorse.com/SMFA-Garden-How-the-garden-sprouted How the Garden Sprouted Interact with the post modules and flippable booklet below to learn about the process of developing the SMFA Garden. Planting the Seed Tufts Green Fund grant application process and project beginnings of the garden in 2019-2020. Planter Ideation and Design Development of container bed designs for balonies off the library and atrium of the SMFA 230 Fenway building. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/46303821d95068ff2cddc469cce357368b5775771c23f3171630c62b8b0edead/Process-post-1A_SMFA-Garden.jpg" data-mid="193696435" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/46303821d95068ff2cddc469cce357368b5775771c23f3171630c62b8b0edead/Process-post-1A_SMFA-Garden.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d6355bfc603eeac31bf896c5954bbc81c9c026e7b24830f410c24054254a129a/Process-post-1B_SMFA-Garden_2.jpg" data-mid="193696436" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d6355bfc603eeac31bf896c5954bbc81c9c026e7b24830f410c24054254a129a/Process-post-1B_SMFA-Garden_2.jpg" /> <img width="2544" height="3288" width_o="2544" height_o="3288" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/edbb8172b5da562c5706220e74f4c4e76bbe51b91e5d324a65c20c4bf5df51da/Library-balcony_detailed-measurements_warm.jpg" data-mid="193696434" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/edbb8172b5da562c5706220e74f4c4e76bbe51b91e5d324a65c20c4bf5df51da/Library-balcony_detailed-measurements_warm.jpg" /> A selection of student sketches for custom planters for the balcony at the SMFA Library. At roughly 8x4 feet with a half-moon shape, it was a fun and intimate space to activate. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/66d552f35918ea32923c46bec50ae352f9fc3939edaac0728aeb914c4b1b19c3/Process-post-2A_SMFA-Garden.jpg" data-mid="193697149" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/66d552f35918ea32923c46bec50ae352f9fc3939edaac0728aeb914c4b1b19c3/Process-post-2A_SMFA-Garden.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a6db47048aec811532d3cc2b2cd9c100f0401081b1676f9d170887e22627d997/Process-post-2B_SMFA-Garden.jpg" data-mid="193697150" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a6db47048aec811532d3cc2b2cd9c100f0401081b1676f9d170887e22627d997/Process-post-2B_SMFA-Garden.jpg" /> Ideas for container designs were solicited from the school community; fantastic responses came back. Click to view iterations for planters on the atrium balcony. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8ea687e877ce44c3fa6c1e7139b69617431fe927de7ebf63897fa787dc20a069/Process-post-3A_SMFA-Garden.jpg" data-mid="193697395" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8ea687e877ce44c3fa6c1e7139b69617431fe927de7ebf63897fa787dc20a069/Process-post-3A_SMFA-Garden.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/48ae4ac6b73900787e9e095c76cbbdde211e5e26681c05bd8b3a9da3df449284/Process-post-3B_SMFA-Garden.jpg" data-mid="193697396" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/48ae4ac6b73900787e9e095c76cbbdde211e5e26681c05bd8b3a9da3df449284/Process-post-3B_SMFA-Garden.jpg" /> <img width="816" height="1020" width_o="816" height_o="1020" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4bd352577deb1d88560e9221ee76f73740975229c6213214e7f0ebb551482ab0/Instruction-sheet-for-Library-balcony.JPG" data-mid="193697393" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/816/i/4bd352577deb1d88560e9221ee76f73740975229c6213214e7f0ebb551482ab0/Instruction-sheet-for-Library-balcony.JPG" /> <img width="2516" height="3145" width_o="2516" height_o="3145" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8e072e7928d88a4178c066d06ab5bcd5f154c001858cfddf17bc6baffed47ec3/Library-balcony_stage-2-designs.jpg" data-mid="193697394" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8e072e7928d88a4178c066d06ab5bcd5f154c001858cfddf17bc6baffed47ec3/Library-balcony_stage-2-designs.jpg" /> Preparations to bring the library balcony planters to life involved paper mock-ups, cardboard approximations and full-scale tracings of the space. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7237a0a4898f1033323826e5e892e5530cb37cf88d2c0e2cb22df6b045baeada/Process-Post-6_1.png" data-mid="193697736" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7237a0a4898f1033323826e5e892e5530cb37cf88d2c0e2cb22df6b045baeada/Process-Post-6_1.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6f298950de065c774e39e1e967b9daf3cc5784b0dc162e4007269bf9c75c4393/Process-Post-6_2.png" data-mid="193697737" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6f298950de065c774e39e1e967b9daf3cc5784b0dc162e4007269bf9c75c4393/Process-Post-6_2.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9492655535af9618b80e13a1175f4e411bed775e11ac08d9bdd062d801c6a0c5/Process-Post-6_3.png" data-mid="193697738" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9492655535af9618b80e13a1175f4e411bed775e11ac08d9bdd062d801c6a0c5/Process-Post-6_3.png" /> Approval for permanent garden installation required knowing the library balcony planters' volume; therefore an estimate of total weight when full of wet soil could be determined, ensuring the garden beds would remain under the balcony's load limit. Volume of the custom curved and sloping planters was approximated by calculating corresponding geometric prisms for a total volumetric sum. Planter Fabrication and Installation Creation of cutting layouts, renderings and piece lists to fabricate planters in the SMFA Metals studio.&nbsp; <img width="1000" height="1250" width_o="1000" height_o="1250" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ed383d7ee942b62bc70b2d948d327cd570d04c94635f93dd986b558ab9d265ba/Process-4_Slide-1_final.jpg" data-mid="193697465" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ed383d7ee942b62bc70b2d948d327cd570d04c94635f93dd986b558ab9d265ba/Process-4_Slide-1_final.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="1250" width_o="1000" height_o="1250" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c194c0187bd299949b0d21653fccb9e5105527724e022910800e9e87032b85a1/Process-4_Slide-2_final.jpg" data-mid="193697466" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c194c0187bd299949b0d21653fccb9e5105527724e022910800e9e87032b85a1/Process-4_Slide-2_final.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="1250" width_o="1000" height_o="1250" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d8b27c869265139fbe4f3a932b9eed5bba682b5767851374cc295626af20b811/Process-4_Slide-3_final.jpg" data-mid="193697467" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d8b27c869265139fbe4f3a932b9eed5bba682b5767851374cc295626af20b811/Process-4_Slide-3_final.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="1250" width_o="1000" height_o="1250" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/294063c32e5166187fa5c85910e40deff1659e5492e9dc96dfd606f37c1130d5/Process-4_Slide-4_final.jpg" data-mid="193697468" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/294063c32e5166187fa5c85910e40deff1659e5492e9dc96dfd606f37c1130d5/Process-4_Slide-4_final.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="1250" width_o="1000" height_o="1250" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ef942630bfb18c0e4fe20640e9ae055728e4370b751899b569dc4a48d8c591b6/Process-4_Slide-5_final.jpg" data-mid="193697470" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ef942630bfb18c0e4fe20640e9ae055728e4370b751899b569dc4a48d8c591b6/Process-4_Slide-5_final.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="1250" width_o="1000" height_o="1250" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f9f6a6a69e33fcfe80d106200bf1437a7170f5296eb708fe7eaa196b978825d4/Process-4_Slide-6_final.jpg" data-mid="193697471" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f9f6a6a69e33fcfe80d106200bf1437a7170f5296eb708fe7eaa196b978825d4/Process-4_Slide-6_final.jpg" /> Development of plans for planter fabrication in three phases: Research U.S.-based Corten steel suppliers; request quotes, place orders. Collaborate with the SMFA Metals studio on the planned use of each steel sheet. Update planter designs for structural integrity and adjust cutting layouts. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ff7a1447bec4710ece0654958b97014b3dc8dd011853fb8a8682b42a55f12477/Process-5_Slide-1.jpg" data-mid="193698436" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ff7a1447bec4710ece0654958b97014b3dc8dd011853fb8a8682b42a55f12477/Process-5_Slide-1.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/58a53c038a135a79740b4b7676013e55893feac3179ef314724c0e3a43f0e726/Process-5_Slide-2.jpg" data-mid="193698437" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/58a53c038a135a79740b4b7676013e55893feac3179ef314724c0e3a43f0e726/Process-5_Slide-2.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/87382262ed3550f7035a3dd40831df1ec2b3b003f81f1d420a9b775e95fdfe07/Process-5_Slide-3.jpg" data-mid="193698438" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/87382262ed3550f7035a3dd40831df1ec2b3b003f81f1d420a9b775e95fdfe07/Process-5_Slide-3.jpg" /> In order to collaborate with project partners remotely, the creation of detailed planter renderings and piece lists were important steps in the process. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d2efb15fc853602cdc49da18df8db43cfc59583ac8073bb9ec6a843b8dc9053a/Process-7_only-slide.png" data-mid="193698566" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d2efb15fc853602cdc49da18df8db43cfc59583ac8073bb9ec6a843b8dc9053a/Process-7_only-slide.png" /> Placement diagrams were submitted with workorders to install other readymade planter beds that were purchased. Many thanks to the SMFA Facilities staff who assisted in receiving and relocating shipments of project materials, as well as developing a balcony-access procedure. <img width="2000" height="1501" width_o="2000" height_o="1501" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1a6761e08b543b90b388761c542d34dfed51ed7b79c7d137642be61854e824e8/Process-8_Slide-1.jpg" data-mid="193698560" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1a6761e08b543b90b388761c542d34dfed51ed7b79c7d137642be61854e824e8/Process-8_Slide-1.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="1501" width_o="2000" height_o="1501" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/29ff3b6d0e055ec68ffab40a3b394d89b806d41dd33c775d29d5e3ca63637ba4/Process-8_Slide-2.jpg" data-mid="193698561" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/29ff3b6d0e055ec68ffab40a3b394d89b806d41dd33c775d29d5e3ca63637ba4/Process-8_Slide-2.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2cce6f4465166a5efc4c3915442b51371585788d0802ce8f81137a153ff7c182/Process-8_Slide-3.jpg" data-mid="193698562" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2cce6f4465166a5efc4c3915442b51371585788d0802ce8f81137a153ff7c182/Process-8_Slide-3.jpg" /> <img width="2592" height="1944" width_o="2592" height_o="1944" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/345487a178dcbea89f9dce8e2283807153ceae6bc7ecc2fc325dbfe937959a80/Process-8_Slide-4.jpg" data-mid="193698563" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/345487a178dcbea89f9dce8e2283807153ceae6bc7ecc2fc325dbfe937959a80/Process-8_Slide-4.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b9a4069143e17173e069242b99a24d1468fd71bd8fbd3c5975638c5e9e9a8f30/Process-8_Slide-5.jpg" data-mid="193698564" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b9a4069143e17173e069242b99a24d1468fd71bd8fbd3c5975638c5e9e9a8f30/Process-8_Slide-5.jpg" /> The complete custom-fabricated planters were installed in spring 2022. Photos show planter details and installation sites at the SMFA 230 Fenway building. Much appreciation goes out to the SMFA Metals studio manager and student workers. Garden Planning Surveying the SMFA at Tufts community on which pollinator-friendly plants were preferred to start in the garden, research of soil mixes for container gardens and development of planting diagrams. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8a04873a48829ce4a7ee518a372c235494160b7d2ba934e27a5135f3c0de42f4/Process-Post-9_Slide-1.png" data-mid="193699560" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8a04873a48829ce4a7ee518a372c235494160b7d2ba934e27a5135f3c0de42f4/Process-Post-9_Slide-1.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e07ee98770257075bd7e49370cdbda2234882ea8756cd20e5211e618373d61ea/Process-Post-9_Slide-2.png" data-mid="193699561" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e07ee98770257075bd7e49370cdbda2234882ea8756cd20e5211e618373d61ea/Process-Post-9_Slide-2.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4a24aa2eb67574741df54194ec02b5efc88161f537ff7c7ee8b40089235ea69f/Process-Post-9_Slide-3.png" data-mid="193699562" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4a24aa2eb67574741df54194ec02b5efc88161f537ff7c7ee8b40089235ea69f/Process-Post-9_Slide-3.png" /> <img width="1156" height="1445" width_o="1156" height_o="1445" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a76ec6a85efc44b968cec7cf77534dced43f096b7d222a1e3fea2878a0bf2186/Plant-Survey_Page_1.jpg" data-mid="193699554" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a76ec6a85efc44b968cec7cf77534dced43f096b7d222a1e3fea2878a0bf2186/Plant-Survey_Page_1.jpg" /> <img width="1227" height="1533" width_o="1227" height_o="1533" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e93a65b20447e2f82cdb07c63a1ff9cb1cb198a941223f8cad66cd297ef9f341/Plant-Survey_Page_2.jpg" data-mid="193699555" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e93a65b20447e2f82cdb07c63a1ff9cb1cb198a941223f8cad66cd297ef9f341/Plant-Survey_Page_2.jpg" /> <img width="1204" height="1505" width_o="1204" height_o="1505" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c2ec8091042ea6786225c09a7f5db26145a72b3feb1d56e3b338d6607cbde7c4/Plant-Survey_Page_3.jpg" data-mid="193699556" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c2ec8091042ea6786225c09a7f5db26145a72b3feb1d56e3b338d6607cbde7c4/Plant-Survey_Page_3.jpg" /> <img width="1210" height="1512" width_o="1210" height_o="1512" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4d90c562cd3c644b42dc171564b6735f7c8bf93d7ade0ee60cdd54fe8671d565/Plant-Survey_Page_4.jpg" data-mid="193699557" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4d90c562cd3c644b42dc171564b6735f7c8bf93d7ade0ee60cdd54fe8671d565/Plant-Survey_Page_4.jpg" /> <img width="1215" height="1518" width_o="1215" height_o="1518" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e596cd7b310da2fec11bc7e76907c2c2248974ae76bdb0fa13f6ca1bee764cf8/Plant-Survey_Page_5.jpg" data-mid="193699558" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e596cd7b310da2fec11bc7e76907c2c2248974ae76bdb0fa13f6ca1bee764cf8/Plant-Survey_Page_5.jpg" /> <img width="1218" height="1523" width_o="1218" height_o="1523" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/00f033ac4d3cb20c54abe8de6878da098abd1ebc1466e64ce9e612ffc07c0032/Plant-Survey_Page_6.jpg" data-mid="193699559" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/00f033ac4d3cb20c54abe8de6878da098abd1ebc1466e64ce9e612ffc07c0032/Plant-Survey_Page_6.jpg" /> The SMFA Garden hosts 18 pollinator-friendly plant species, ranging from spring, summer and fall blooming native wildflowers to perennial herbs and annual veggies that support insect pollinators when left to flower and seed. Image gallery above shows seed-starting workshops and a survey used to collect community plant preferences. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3c174776697a396a907dbacb347448a1514f0d2e89dd336d00f20ba00ca8db78/Process-10_Slide-1.png" data-mid="193699845" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3c174776697a396a907dbacb347448a1514f0d2e89dd336d00f20ba00ca8db78/Process-10_Slide-1.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fdb590451e8fd6e7c9a8cc08cd4686db4ee9a82428ee2226932218b948e85e3c/Process-10_Slide-2.png" data-mid="193699846" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fdb590451e8fd6e7c9a8cc08cd4686db4ee9a82428ee2226932218b948e85e3c/Process-10_Slide-2.png" /> After researching custom container soil mixes, a lightweight blend of soilless growing media was chosen with proper aeration, drainage and retention of moisture and nutrients in mind. Final mix: 35% Perlite, 35% Peat moss/Coir, and 30% Compost. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/dc6e54e50073ce03622e98042d0e5ba2d8e59a72c73a1521603c1a053b159a27/Process-11-1.png" data-mid="193700029" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/dc6e54e50073ce03622e98042d0e5ba2d8e59a72c73a1521603c1a053b159a27/Process-11-1.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/673174bd80da2415a7156b70a85d512c17d5ebba826354647f49f3ee36e5abb2/Process-11-2.png" data-mid="193700030" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/673174bd80da2415a7156b70a85d512c17d5ebba826354647f49f3ee36e5abb2/Process-11-2.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/037650024c3a7f178b74b036289c6e954f9998ac7d4957e74990939388b57e6f/Process-11-3.png" data-mid="193700031" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/037650024c3a7f178b74b036289c6e954f9998ac7d4957e74990939388b57e6f/Process-11-3.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8d82264945cc09ea6376ebe53b449352b05ba018bd6d71c04d01ee2ebdcd549f/Process-11-4.png" data-mid="193700032" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8d82264945cc09ea6376ebe53b449352b05ba018bd6d71c04d01ee2ebdcd549f/Process-11-4.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5416003b8ada0d5065caa0fbbd28433e1d67bec4099b96c37b86e3df43061dd9/Process-11-5.png" data-mid="193700033" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5416003b8ada0d5065caa0fbbd28433e1d67bec4099b96c37b86e3df43061dd9/Process-11-5.png" /> After collecting individual plant species' details on spacing needs, bloom times, sun requirements, average height, planting depth and more, plant placement diagrams across the total seven planters were developed. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5736179809160af6f6e82cb181ce51af1f837353ce18f4b50356f01c96a67e81/Process-12-1.png" data-mid="193700172" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5736179809160af6f6e82cb181ce51af1f837353ce18f4b50356f01c96a67e81/Process-12-1.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/896984cc6e6289718d822247b1d62d0fca1e99ed9bad3a1af9d4dcdc46b619af/Process-12-2.png" data-mid="193700173" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/896984cc6e6289718d822247b1d62d0fca1e99ed9bad3a1af9d4dcdc46b619af/Process-12-2.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a3179ddf88b2fa4f93336fdd55564ac445d1fac067f5cdadf1e42435a052d6ed/Process-12-3.png" data-mid="193700174" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a3179ddf88b2fa4f93336fdd55564ac445d1fac067f5cdadf1e42435a052d6ed/Process-12-3.png" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/187845ec8fff053cac261ced355705a589d7c832370e1d473031e7f0b8a45abf/Process-12-4.png" data-mid="193700175" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/187845ec8fff053cac261ced355705a589d7c832370e1d473031e7f0b8a45abf/Process-12-4.png" /> A second set of planting diagrams mapped out plant spacing before seedlings were transplanted into garden beds. The SMFA Garden had officially taken root! Final Report Read a final report submitted to the Tufts Green Fund in spring 2023, including an overview of the project objectives, accomplishments, future goals, breakdown of funds and a selection photos from over three years of project development. Exhibitions 2020 BFA Thesis Exhibition: Outrageous Plans for Sensible Ideas, SMFA at Tufts University (Virtual) View the virtual exhibition. Press The SMFA Garden was featured in an article on the SMFA at Tufts website in August 2022. Read for more details on how the garden took root. https://michaelamorse.com/Hammock Sat, 10 Feb 2024 22:12:02 +0000 Michaela Morse https://michaelamorse.com/Hammock Hammock A hammock is a universal symbol of relaxation, conjuring restful naps and soft breezes. To a naturalist, a hammock is also a narrow band of wooded, fertile land rising above a marshy region. Hammocks host deep humus-rich soil, with hammocks located in present-day Florida containing the greatest numbers of tree and shrub species per unit area in the continental U.S. Few hammocks remain today, however, as most were cut down long ago for farmland and lumber. In the form of a soft bed suspended on either end, a hammock lulls adults and infants alike to sleep; back pain is relieved and air circulates freely. Swaddling ourselves, the netted bands come into focus as seeds methodically sown row-by-row; a field is planted, another hammock is woven. How resources will be prioritized is the question now facing the fertile bands of soil that remain. <img width="3200" height="2400" width_o="3200" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/47ac7dd53493b27e75c880f33f5b3f37e1e96c473e63e955bf729fa196bbd607/Hammock_DSCF5843_edited_3200x2400.png" data-mid="204370490" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/47ac7dd53493b27e75c880f33f5b3f37e1e96c473e63e955bf729fa196bbd607/Hammock_DSCF5843_edited_3200x2400.png" /> Hammock 2023Yarn reclaimed from thrifted sweaters, sisal twine, straw wattles Mayan weaving technique <img width="2400" height="3000" width_o="2400" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c8ddd9006d1c245bd18fd1dedb940fa55adbf3e70234985f1b6f7ed14a37273d/Hammock_Photomerge_5850-51-52_2400x3000.png" data-mid="204370493" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c8ddd9006d1c245bd18fd1dedb940fa55adbf3e70234985f1b6f7ed14a37273d/Hammock_Photomerge_5850-51-52_2400x3000.png" /> <img width="2400" height="3000" width_o="2400" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/82a115aed310fd309d37ae9e2cda924254d81c37ab51a2f30a56004f3d3aaabf/Hammock_DSCF5856_2400x3000.png" data-mid="204370491" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/82a115aed310fd309d37ae9e2cda924254d81c37ab51a2f30a56004f3d3aaabf/Hammock_DSCF5856_2400x3000.png" /> <img width="2400" height="3000" width_o="2400" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3846d562fdcf3e51e609a8982df10ad8c8840fe1bb7072351701b7eee2bded53/Hammock_20230829_160344_edited_2400x3000.png" data-mid="204370518" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3846d562fdcf3e51e609a8982df10ad8c8840fe1bb7072351701b7eee2bded53/Hammock_20230829_160344_edited_2400x3000.png" /> <img width="3600" height="2400" width_o="3600" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f07e686f548dfd3da501b7a50d8e28ef9164c4b9ecdf4fe2439eacd749806610/Hammock_DSCF5873_edited_3600x2400.png" data-mid="204370492" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f07e686f548dfd3da501b7a50d8e28ef9164c4b9ecdf4fe2439eacd749806610/Hammock_DSCF5873_edited_3600x2400.png" /> <img width="3600" height="2400" width_o="3600" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ae7753e4f51b55c70e7cee4e88f27278bc26843e220b6dd65d01c534d0fb1b2d/Hammock_DSCF5832_edited_3600x2400.png" data-mid="204370489" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ae7753e4f51b55c70e7cee4e88f27278bc26843e220b6dd65d01c534d0fb1b2d/Hammock_DSCF5832_edited_3600x2400.png" /> Exhibitions 2025 Interwoven: Textile Artists and Climate Change, Watertown Saving Bank Gallery: Mosesian Center for the Arts (Watertown, MA), curated by Nancy Crasco and Martha Heller for i3C Artists and guests 2023 The Non-Human is Pushing Back, Piano Craft Gallery (Boston, MA), participant and co-curator with Jeffrey Nowlin and Adriana G. Prat for i3C Artists https://michaelamorse.com/Place-Setting Sun, 17 Mar 2024 19:57:12 +0000 Michaela Morse https://michaelamorse.com/Place-Setting Place Setting Meals do more than bring us into conversation and keep us fed. Place Setting (2019/2023) is a functional installation of handmade utensils, plates, bowls, napkins and table decorations that were conceived as a reflection on Massachusetts in springtime. Featuring handles of maple branches, the flatware in this two-person dining set are presented as scent diffusers, soaked in a hydrosol concentrated from leaves gathered along the Mystic River Greenway and propped up by a ceramic lattice structure in each soup bowl. At the time of dining the lattice structure inverts to hold candles infused with the same scent, and the hydrosol transfers to a reed diffuser centerpiece. Activated at the table or viewed with select components in the gallery, the irregular sensory elements of Place Setting are an invitation to consider all that our meals connect us to; the land where the food was cultivated, the organisms that contributed to the nutrients, the shared traditions of cultural heritage and more. In the words of Rachel Carson, "The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe around us, the less taste we shall have for destruction." <img width="3600" height="2703" width_o="3600" height_o="2703" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5b4d4600604922079f7e2225ab62391be3c934445dbd6ce8ac8cb0d2d4ee2bfc/Morse_PlaceSetting-Picnic_edits.jpg" data-mid="206990649" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5b4d4600604922079f7e2225ab62391be3c934445dbd6ce8ac8cb0d2d4ee2bfc/Morse_PlaceSetting-Picnic_edits.jpg" /> Place Setting: Picnic2019, installation variation 2023 Maple and brass flatware, ceramic salad plates, cloth napkins, found tray <img width="3600" height="2400" width_o="3600" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ea6fb67e9bc6b8ddbb67ff8631fd3a6b722d90a26ba4f09b1040745e8f870630/IMG_8614_edited2024_mid-sized-file.png" data-mid="206990646" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ea6fb67e9bc6b8ddbb67ff8631fd3a6b722d90a26ba4f09b1040745e8f870630/IMG_8614_edited2024_mid-sized-file.png" /> <img width="3600" height="2400" width_o="3600" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6e96a2bb0f83b8c44d4b7c846206ab9db4015a758e1195b0831ced5c87f3c0b7/IMG_8659_edited2024_mid-sized-file.png" data-mid="206990648" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6e96a2bb0f83b8c44d4b7c846206ab9db4015a758e1195b0831ced5c87f3c0b7/IMG_8659_edited2024_mid-sized-file.png" /> <img width="3600" height="2400" width_o="3600" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/77c3696173af339abffc677e523694a6946cd3b01a1a1e44a35a49be2f1934c0/IMG_8649_edited2024_mid-sized-file.png" data-mid="206990647" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/77c3696173af339abffc677e523694a6946cd3b01a1a1e44a35a49be2f1934c0/IMG_8649_edited2024_mid-sized-file.png" /> <img width="3440" height="2962" width_o="3440" height_o="2962" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/83bcb9dd9c6e7a53404a90cb0f5cdf2d93de8c85847996d2d40936daa0430560/20190418_151812_cropped_edited.jpg" data-mid="206990645" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/83bcb9dd9c6e7a53404a90cb0f5cdf2d93de8c85847996d2d40936daa0430560/20190418_151812_cropped_edited.jpg" /> <img width="2353" height="3138" width_o="2353" height_o="3138" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/958996929d44cd3aaf285d3c5f64adeaa155439239e1b5ff349b4eba24e44a71/20190417_142229_edited_3-4crop.jpg" data-mid="206990836" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/958996929d44cd3aaf285d3c5f64adeaa155439239e1b5ff349b4eba24e44a71/20190417_142229_edited_3-4crop.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="3300" width_o="2550" height_o="3300" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0529da2c0406a100f919810675c1630ac57f27af2eb6f274706cc419ca18de61/Scent-Site_Book-Page.png" data-mid="206990650" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0529da2c0406a100f919810675c1630ac57f27af2eb6f274706cc419ca18de61/Scent-Site_Book-Page.png" /> Exhibitions 2024 Cross-Pollination, Gallery A2: Artisans Asylum (Boston, MA) 2023 Climate Change: Creating Conversations on a Global Crisis, Multicultural Arts Center (Cambridge, MA), curated by Martha Heller and Adriana G. Prat for i3C Artists | View the virtual exhibition. https://michaelamorse.com/Dirt Sat, 23 Sep 2023 21:53:16 +0000 Michaela Morse https://michaelamorse.com/Dirt Dirt “Soil is miraculous. . . In soil, matter crosses and recrosses the boundary between living and dead; and, as we have seen, boundaries — edges — are where the most interesting and important events occur.” —Toby Hemenway, permaculturalist Dirt (2019) is an artist book about regenerative agriculture, carbon sequestration and ecosystems services. Such topics are vast and complex to grasp, and our need to understand them only becomes more crucial as the planet's need for us to act intensifies. Yet we are offered a foundation, a baseline to comprehension of nature's ways of being through the soil beneath our feet —our common ground. The first step is to stop using the word ‘dirt’ in such derogatory ways, not just when speaking about the Earth, but in all communications with the world around us. <img width="2400" height="1600" width_o="2400" height_o="1600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d87ed73f98272395cfc7e03f18d79bb3049258982a4ae0640095a5acfb0039dd/Dirt-book_porch-background_Lightroom-edited.jpg" data-mid="191819535" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d87ed73f98272395cfc7e03f18d79bb3049258982a4ae0640095a5acfb0039dd/Dirt-book_porch-background_Lightroom-edited.jpg" /> Dirt 20199.75 x 11.25 x 0.5 inches Original photography, inkjet and handmade papers, waxed thread <img width="3000" height="2400" width_o="3000" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c8edf2686cb6b83387aac3b3732ce12ac25f0922a868e273329f43fb681eeb80/Dirt_installation-view_3000x2400.png" data-mid="204373161" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c8edf2686cb6b83387aac3b3732ce12ac25f0922a868e273329f43fb681eeb80/Dirt_installation-view_3000x2400.png" /> <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f0785e4e94d01ecbcd471e3004e9b790ddaa5cf832a3aab0447425a9386c464e/Dirt_video-still-2-Cheap-as-dirt.png" data-mid="204373163" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f0785e4e94d01ecbcd471e3004e9b790ddaa5cf832a3aab0447425a9386c464e/Dirt_video-still-2-Cheap-as-dirt.png" /> <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/af244fdb007e8891f1b496552bcd9c4d304356a3787343fa94b7914f03d59e96/Dirt_video-still_cover-page.png" data-mid="204373263" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/af244fdb007e8891f1b496552bcd9c4d304356a3787343fa94b7914f03d59e96/Dirt_video-still_cover-page.png" /> <img width="3000" height="2400" width_o="3000" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0eb28cbce3047bc0bc1377f07128c564e60b4757ffa814b1a56519952e39a9ec/Dirt-book_final-page.jpg" data-mid="204373160" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0eb28cbce3047bc0bc1377f07128c564e60b4757ffa814b1a56519952e39a9ec/Dirt-book_final-page.jpg" /> Exhibitions 2024 Regenerating Earth, Higgins Art Gallery: Cape Cod Community College (West Barnstable, MA), curated by Krisanne Baker for i3C Artists 2023Then and Now: UVA's 10 Year Retrospective, Arthaus Gallery (Allston, MA), curated by Emelia Misail and Jennifer Turpin for Unbound Visual Arts 2019 The Waste Land on Earth?, Harvard Ed Portal Crossings Gallery (Allston, MA), curated by Caitlin Bowler for Unbound Visual Arts https://michaelamorse.com/Post-conversation-Time-to-clean-up Sun, 11 Feb 2024 03:33:02 +0000 Michaela Morse https://michaelamorse.com/Post-conversation-Time-to-clean-up Post-conversation: Time to clean up Post-conversation: Time to clean up (2019/2023) is an installation of handmade paper place settings created for use during conversations between the artist and various mentors. Fabric scraps collected from years sewing garments and working as a seamstress were shredded to the smallest fiber size accessible, first through cutting the scraps by hand and subsequently by processing in a paper pulp beater for roughly eight hours. Handmade paper techniques were then used to pull sheets of new, composite fabric-papers in the style of single-use paper placemats. Further fabric-papers were massaged meticulously by hand to soften them until they possessed a similar feel to soft paper napkins. Tea was brewed, pastries were set out and one by one professors were invited to sit down with the artist to chat about how she might move towards a more conceptual art practice. Despite combining a variety of textiles, the placemats and napkins had all turned out pink. Tracing all the labor that went into setting the table, it is inconclusive whether the crumbs and stains that remain led to anything more than another mess to clean up. <img width="2000" height="1125" width_o="2000" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c2f7d1b75838175786b6e9b84f9bf613b3bec7ff5e2d1209defe8a3914687283/Morse_Post-conversation.jpg" data-mid="204377255" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c2f7d1b75838175786b6e9b84f9bf613b3bec7ff5e2d1209defe8a3914687283/Morse_Post-conversation.jpg" /> Post-conversation: Time to clean up2019, documented 2023Placemat and napkin of beaten fabric scraps, yarn, teacup and saucer <img width="3000" height="2400" width_o="3000" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/762d973821a39bc25ef250bcb74238db583152ea165c70fd45912cfa1febbe23/Post-conversation_DSCF5787_3000x2400.png" data-mid="204377263" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/762d973821a39bc25ef250bcb74238db583152ea165c70fd45912cfa1febbe23/Post-conversation_DSCF5787_3000x2400.png" /> <img width="3000" height="2400" width_o="3000" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/89ce389e9b0d9607af4312d08818e76c7cdf7b22924636363a5a586ed42a3a8b/Post-conversation_20230414_204326_edited_3000x2400.png" data-mid="204377261" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/89ce389e9b0d9607af4312d08818e76c7cdf7b22924636363a5a586ed42a3a8b/Post-conversation_20230414_204326_edited_3000x2400.png" /> <img width="3000" height="2400" width_o="3000" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/82834860b29ea18e79f2704a7a482d664091d5c0c89d9feb2444e66d98f8929e/Post-conversation_DSCF5783_edited_3000x4200.png" data-mid="204377262" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/82834860b29ea18e79f2704a7a482d664091d5c0c89d9feb2444e66d98f8929e/Post-conversation_DSCF5783_edited_3000x4200.png" /> <img width="3000" height="2400" width_o="3000" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/27d25084dfd8ec7d7d26b6410fd15722911a64cfeab7ddc6d5c36d30e810880b/Post-conversation_20190422_152509_3000x2400.png" data-mid="204377260" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/27d25084dfd8ec7d7d26b6410fd15722911a64cfeab7ddc6d5c36d30e810880b/Post-conversation_20190422_152509_3000x2400.png" /> Exhibitions 2024 Reimagining Our World: Rejected Materials Reinvented, LexArt: Lexington Arts &amp; Crafts Society (Lexington, MA), curated by Martha Heller and Adriana G. Prat for i3C Artists 2023 A Woman's Work is Never Done: Women in the Arts, Arthaus Gallery (Allston, MA), curated by Paige Moreau for Unbound Visual Arts https://michaelamorse.com/What-have-you-thrown-away-recently Sat, 23 Sep 2023 21:53:15 +0000 Michaela Morse https://michaelamorse.com/What-have-you-thrown-away-recently What have you thrown away recently? What have you thrown away recently? / ¿Qué has tirado recientemente? (2019) is an interactive piece featuring homemade crayons. Beeswax from a Massachusetts apiary was melted and pigmented with discarded eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and brow balms, then poured into thrifted ice cube trays to create narrow cylindrical forms. A sign invited gallery visitors to participate in answering the titular question of the work by using the crayons to make marks on a paper-covered table. Holding these objects formed of and by repurposed and local materials, a second question prompted consideration of what we forget or lose track of that we wish we still had— ultimately asking the participant to consider the full lifecycle of the refuse generated by our own consumeristic lifestyles. <img width="2400" height="1800" width_o="2400" height_o="1800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/80fcf48efafc974d64b5d4253813162fe1c62e188ea96fb6839b0b14998760ac/Crayon-tray---plaque_Lightroom-edited.jpg" data-mid="191818008" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/80fcf48efafc974d64b5d4253813162fe1c62e188ea96fb6839b0b14998760ac/Crayon-tray---plaque_Lightroom-edited.jpg" /> What have you thrown away recently? / ¿Qué has tirado recientemente? 2019 DetailBeeswax crayons installed with wood tray, wood plaque, paper, table, stools &nbsp; <img width="1800" height="2400" width_o="1800" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/48ac9011451a58e682a9d4616844d9c2a9b058487372068cb43773b1e31e67e2/Trash-Piece_pre-activation_Lightroom-edited.jpg" data-mid="191818025" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/48ac9011451a58e682a9d4616844d9c2a9b058487372068cb43773b1e31e67e2/Trash-Piece_pre-activation_Lightroom-edited.jpg" /> <img width="1600" height="2400" width_o="1600" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f03cb1bb266fdc6b8bba9477bf28649f12da4ea936f9f915cc767c9aa1256343/SeniorThesis33_Lightroom-edited.jpg" data-mid="191818021" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f03cb1bb266fdc6b8bba9477bf28649f12da4ea936f9f915cc767c9aa1256343/SeniorThesis33_Lightroom-edited.jpg" /> <img width="2400" height="1600" width_o="2400" height_o="1600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/716f1c919fbbc4cfce6b6b0595055ab60e112fd19854897a254692a293e3dc95/SeniorThesis21_Lightroom-edited.jpg" data-mid="191818016" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/716f1c919fbbc4cfce6b6b0595055ab60e112fd19854897a254692a293e3dc95/SeniorThesis21_Lightroom-edited.jpg" /> Exhibitions 2019 From Ethos to Ether, Mission Hill Gallery, SMFA at Tufts University (Boston, MA)