Rainforest studies

‘Rainforest studies’ Science has taught us to observe, classify, measure and understand nature by reductive means. We reduce the complex into smaller and simpler elements in order to understand how all the pieces fit together. Whilst scientific observation can provide a detailed description of the rainforest, contemplatively observing nature adds a different dimension. To smell the perfume, to take pleasure in the subtle variations of the texture of the bark, shells, fungi and seed pods can give a sense of renewal, and a more holistic experience of how we fit into the picture, of being part of the web of life. In order to truly understand our environment, we need to be aware of our senses. The tactile senses in particular, create a more intuitive knowing, bypassing conceptual thought processes to provide a visceral understanding of what is around us. Taken out of the rainforest and sculpted larger than life, the shells and pods in ‘Rainforest studies’ allow the viewer to contemplate, consider and to appreciate the marvelous yet often overlooked underworld of our rainforest.