Recently a good artist friend introduced me to mind mapping. It has been a fun way to explore lots of different ideas and get them down visually…and being a person who expresses her ideas with paint, this was a great find.
And my sketch books also become journals, that give me a place to record new ideas and create maps of where I’ve been and where I am going.
The Pandemic gave us all a big comma in our calendars. In this universal pause, two art projects appeared in my corner of the world. First, I created an art installation called The Nature of Clouds. This was well summarized by Jake Einsiedl at LUM Art Magazine. You can read the article here. The installation involves electric clouds and kokedama balls.
Secondly , I co-curated an art exhibit called Bio/Mass at the Wildling Museum with Nicole Strasburg. Working closely with Stacey Otte-Demangate and Lauren Sharpe at the Wildling Museum, we gathered a group of artists who have reflected on nature by creating either a large collection of work that reflect a singular point of view, or a massive piece of art, or both. These artists help us see the beauty in the details of our natural world.
While working on these two projects, I revisited my notes and journals which reignited my fascination with clouds. Luke Howard (credited with naming our cloud systems) , Johanne Goethe and Mark Strand, our national poet laureate in 1990, were so influential in my explorations. Strand’s poem, 89 Clouds, fit’s right in with our Bio/Mass exhibition description of meditation and multiplicity. This poem has kicked off a new body of work in my studio. So here are a few clues….”mass in quantity,” “all clouds have silver linings”, and, “#20. Clouds are thoughts with out words.”from “89 Clouds” by Mark Strand. You may find a hint in the photo below.
Until, we see each other in person, send me a note and let me know what you are doing these days. I would be happy to meet you at the museum for a tour, if you are so inclined!
Be Well,
Holli Harmon
