COM.EN.ARTCommunity . Environment . ArtNatural History Artist-in-ResidencyCOM.EN.ART (COMmunity.ENvironment.ART) is an artist-in-residency program for natural history illustrators. It provides an opportunity for artists to immerse themselves in a field situation either by working with scientists or gathering materials and doing research for their own work. COM.EN.ART is unique from other artist residencies in that it integrates not only the needs of the artist and the research station, but also contributes to the community by enhancing environmental awareness through the aesthetics of art. It is also unique in that it focuses on providing opportunities for natural history artists in particular. The opportunity to work in the field is a treasured and increasingly rare experience. Such immersion is vital to produce inspired, insightful artwork. One need only heed the words and activities of the master artists from the past and the present who consistently stress field observation as the key to excellent natural history artwork.
Each year five to seven natural history artists are chosen to spend one to two weeks at a biological field station. During their residency, artists are free to produce artwork in their chosen manner and medium. The field station or preserve provides housing, studio space and local transportation. In exchange, the artist is asked to contribute an original work and all rights to be used for the benefit of the preserve, and a small amount of time with the community.
The rapport developed between artists and the preserve has been warm and several artists have returned after their residencies to continue their studies and collaborations. The project has been presented to the Organization of Biological Field Stations. The local news media has been enthusiastic, giving front page coverage.
|
|
