EVOLUTION

November 2024

Materials:

• CNC cut plywood

• pine

While creating this diptych, I was interested in the concept of distilling the essence of the held plants as well as the essence of their environment. The two of which I believe are inherently intertwined. Plants are inherently intended to take advantage of the environment in which they have adapted to survive in. These pieces compare and contrast the commonalities seen across plant species while calling attention to the differences that result in their different environments.

The fern’s delicate leaves separated by thin branches allow it to stretch across space in an eternal search for light. Uninhibited by the need to preserve water in the foggy cool climates they call home, the fern does not need to concern itself with finding moisture. Pulling the fern into space where its roots can exist as their delicate leaves do, lets the ferns' roots and leaves exist in harmony; sprawling through the moist environments they call home, on a never ending quest to stretch across space. 

Conversely, the cacti developed in harsh arid environments that informed their dense voluminous structures. They exist in environments with plenty of sun, hence no need to stretch into space. Instead, they yearn to absorb as much water as they can collect, hoarding moisture to last them through the dry season. Their holder references this with its sense of volume and wholeness. Yet, its cantilevered overhang communicates the precarity of the cacti’s life. One too many droughts and the cacti must face a difficult choice. If the drought lasts long enough they understand they must sacrifice their remaining life force to the next generation; putting all of their remaining energy into producing seeds to ensure the next generation can survive when the water returns. 

The fern’s utopia is endless space and the cacti’s utopia is stability. While neither holder allows them exactly what they desire the most, they understand what the plant wants and allow the living being they hold an opportunity to pursue what it is they attempt to pursue.