ARTIST STATEMENT
I have been working with endlessly fascinating seeds since 2016, drawn to their ingenious evolved methods of dispersal — by wind, water, gravity, and animals — and their role as natural seed banks essential to healthy forests and ecological restoration. My research has taken me to the Peruvian Amazon, Ecuador’s Tiputini Biodiversity Station, and most recently the Weyqecha cloud forest and Manu Biostation, where I explore trail systems and collect what I call Jewels of the Forest: seeds and blossoms. A residency at Project Amazonas led to my large installation Seed Rain: Seed Bank and the related work included here.
The enlarged ceramic seeds in Seeds of Resilience contemplate seed dispersal and regeneration, and feature a 2,000-year-old date palm seed — once considered extinct — that is the oldest seed ever to germinate. Seeds are of essential importance to the health of the planet and humanity, a vitally potent source and symbol of resilience and hope. My art interfaces nature, science, conservation, and biodiversity, engaging and educating the public.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Sharon Bladholm’s art is profoundly influenced by her participation on scientific expeditions to the Amazon as well as explorations of local ecosystems. She was the artist for an Aqua RAP Expedition, sponsored by the Field Museum and Conservation International, down Peru’s Rio Pastaza where she painted some of the 44 new species of fish discovered. Her Scientist’s at Work series celebrates biologists in the field. Her work becomes a conduit to educate and engage with the public on important issues regarding nature, science, biodiversity, and conservation. She has designed a large, immersive solo exhibition entitled Soils,Seeds and Sprouts: Tropical and Temperate, including sculptural installations, sculptures in ceramic, glass and bronze, plus prints that launched at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Sharon received a grant from Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs, creating a book based on the exhibition, including three essays by scientists and one by an art curator. A second grant is allowing another publication featuring artwork inspired by expeditions to the Yanomami, indigenous people residing in Brazilian and Venezuelan rainforests. She continues to exhibit artwork in numerous museums, galleries and plant conservatories, nationally and internationally. She created a permanent public art installation celebrating soil microorganisms for Openlands Lakeshore Preserve and a temporary art installation Ghost Fish Ghost Forest at the Musée d’art contemporain de Bordeaux, France. Sharon facilitates Seeing Seeds workshops at botanical conferences, schools, universities, arboreteums. the Natural History Museum in Lima, and the Peruvian Amazon. She maintains a large studio on Chicago’s Westside in a 1913 industrial building.
© Sharon Bladholm