We have an endless stream of good knowledge, theory, and practice for building sustainable, nature-inclusive cities, what’s missing is a deeper consciousness of our relationship to the environment. … Continue readingNature of Cities | What Can the Loss of Culture Teach Us About Urban Nature?
A cultural and ecological dialogue between two island communities, and across their borders. Based on work done during an artist/researcher residency on a small island in Japan.
When we release ourselves from the thinking that there must be some end result which comes to life exactly how we planned it, we are allowed to enjoy, engage, and to expand our view during the process of creating. That, too, is art. Isn’t it? … Continue readingThe Art Outside of The Art
One image for each human:nature story collected, these images provide visual glimpses at natural locations identified in folklore by the people of Megijima. … Continue reading[HUMAN:NATURE] – Landscapes
When I think about what we’ve done over the past month here in Megijima, I am reminded of Bill Murray making a commercial for Suntory Japanese whiskey… if he had to do it for one month straight. After a month or so of Lost in … Continue readingFarmers, Artists, and… Bill Murray? The Show Opening in Megijima
The [HUMAN:NATURE] team went on an ‘away’ mission yesterday. Seven people jumped into a car most that Americans would consider ‘small and cute,’ and off we rode to Awa, Tokushima with Professor Suizu. Our destination was Mr. Okitsu’s natural farm. During this past spring, I … Continue readingGroup Visit to Okitsu Natural Farm
Medium: film, interactive media, social practiceLocation: Setouchi International Triennale / Megijima, JapanYear: 2013 In the Summer of 2013, I had the opportunity to lead an amazing team — Suhee Kang, Johann Barbie, Song E Lee — along with nearly fifty Japanese volunteers in a project combining art, … Continue reading[HUMAN:NATURE]
If you could peer into what I was doing during a random sampling of points in my childhood, most likely you’d come up with a bucket full of moments where I was begging my parents/grandparents to obtain maps, examining maps and being mesmerized at how … Continue readingMapping an Island
After sharing stories of their connection with nature, the locals thought it best to also share some of their harvest with us as well. Delicious, sweet Megijima corn was our snack this afternoon, and some cute little cucumbers are next, courtesy of Yutaka san and … Continue readingCorn, Peaches, and Sunsets
Rain put a damper on our interview plans today, but I suppose we’re just paying for all of the unseasonable sun we received on arrival here last month. Anyway, our little experimental garden — which now features rice — likes it well enough. With the … Continue readingMegijima’s Secret to Long Life?
It’s too easy today… to get stuck in a way of thinking which presents life to you as one struggle after another, an overly complex maze of people, places, and things, all which must be conquered in order to get to the ultimate resting place… which … Continue readingSimplicity in Yamaguchi
Week #2 here in Megijima, Japan, and while we’re still getting set up for our first interviews, it’s been an eventful week. The sun gets up pretty early here, around about 4:30am, and against my previous sleep schedule, I abide more or less by the sun’s … Continue readingFrom Sunrise to Scotch: Megi Week 2
The issue of how the small island of Megijima will continue is a tough one to confront. At the same time, it’s a story which on the surface is not unique in Japan, and one which presents us with a great opportunity to use investigative research, technology, and art, to bring awareness, inspiration, and hopefully some smiles. … Continue readingHuman:Nature, Summer Residency in Japan
My tutor from University of Edinburgh traveled to Japan a few weeks back and I was fortunate to join him on a week-long tour of art, space and nature goodness. We went from the hills of Yamaguchi and Akiyoshida, to Aichi University of the Arts … Continue readingEdinburgh/Aichi: Art and Nature Japan Tour