There is a lovely book titled The Invention of Clouds by Richard Hamblyn. It is about Luke Howard, who was the father of meteorology and named the clouds that are defined by their shapes. This was a treasure trove of information and a rabbit hole that inspired my cloud constructions during The River’s Journey Project.
A little Cloud in a Box, Holli Harmon 2021
Below is a very short video that tells you about the history of the clouds that are hanging in
My fascination with clouds was enthusiastically explored during The River’s Journey Project. I was looking at water in all of its forms by following the water cycle. This transpiration circle begins and ends in the clouds; water’s highest source.
The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature launched The River’s Journey Project in 2016. Many of my paintings explored the nimbus, cumulus and stratus through diminutive gouache paintings.
When I explore an idea, I chase it through research in all forms from scientific to poetic. I was particularly inspired by Luke Howard’s cloud classification system documented in 1803. From there, I found poets Johann Goethe and contemporary Mark Strand to have the same love of clouds.
One idea can lead to another and inspirations often bleed into new projects.
Cloud Formations, (4) 2x3 gouache paintings
My personal cloud construction began in the studio in early 2016. My husband Terry got inspired and built the mega cloud armature which has floated around in my barn-studio. I can make this huge cloud look stormy or psychedelic depending on my mental atmosphere. Five manageable sized clouds followed. These are also high tech wonders. I can program the lights to any color and they can respond to music. Technology is amazing. These little cumulus clouds gathered in Santa Barbara City Hall as part of The River’s Journey installation.
Stacey Otte-Demangate, the Wildling Museum’s Director had asked me to create a cloud installation one day. Our current pandemic offered a perfect opportunity.
All clouds have silver linings.
The museum was closed due to COVID 19, but the tower room that sits on the corner is surrounded by windows. A perfect place to see the museum from the outside-in.
