A virtual experience of nature

My work serves as a virtual experience of nature. The intent of my work is to look into the scientific reasons behind the tranquillity of repetition in nature. It was stated in a paper called: ‘Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective’, that “rapid urbanization and declines in human contact with nature globally, crucial decisions must be made about how to preserve and enhance opportunities for nature experience. Here, we first provide points of consensus across the natural, social, and health sciences on the impacts of nature experience on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and other dimensions of mental health."(1)

Overall, throughout my project, the use of repetition has been consistent. This was present in physical patterns, such as in my terrarium in the format of the leaves and in my tree sculpture, through the medium of wooden sticks. This repetition is also present in my sound piece. I think this aspect of my work is highly successful because it mimics real life and is hypothetically effective in achieving what a walk would accomplish for mental health. Regarding the weaker aspects of my work, I believe that I should have worked more on the presentation of my sketchbook. The inclusion of my sketchbook should be a valuable support piece, composed to make my work easier to understand, however, it lacks visual appeal and is often absent of strength.

If I were to develop this project further, I would include more sound pieces as well as video. Furthermore, I would have created large sculptures to contribute to my final outcome, however, although I planned this, it would not have been possible because I couldn’t access the materials needed due to isolation. In the future, if I were to return to this project, I would curate my own containers in which to hold terrariums and I would create more by collecting specimens and water samples to use, rather than purchasing plants and using tap water.

(1) Bratman, Gregory & Anderson, Christopher & Berman, Marc & Cochran, Bobby & de Vries, Sjerp & Flanders, Jon & Folke, Carl & Frumkin, Howard & Gross, James & Hartig, Terry & Kahn, Peter & Kuo, Ming & Lawler, Joshua & Levin, Phillip & Lindahl, Therese & Meyer-Lindenberg, Andreas & Mitchell, Richard & Ouyang, Zhiyun & Roe, Jenny & Daily, Gretchen. (2019). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science Advances. 5. eaax0903. 10.1126/sciadv.aax0903.