Vines, veins, and morning glories : an examination of arboreal patterns in relation to the Gaia hypothesis

Abstract

This project focused on arboreal or branching patterns found in nature. A primary objective was the examination of the Gaia Hypothesis. The Gaia theory is an ecological hypothesis suggesting all systems on earth interact to form a single organism. The Greek word Gaia means earth goddess or spirit or mother earth. Each piece combined metal morning glory vines with bronze casting of the female human figure. The morning glory vines mimic the human circulatory system. Five sculptures culminate this series. The body of work is unified through subject matter and metal-smithing methods. Various metal-smithing techniques were required to produce this creative project including: copper plating and forming, construction, casting, enameling, fold forming, forging, and patination.