Body of Works
For commissions and inquires email
sandysanderson93@gmail.com
Dirt Battery
Kirschvink states “We are part of Earth’s magnetic biosphere [and] We have not, as a species, lost the magnetic sensory system that our ancestors [millions of years ago] had,” (Wang et al. 2019)
This body of work explores the relationship between humans and the earths electromagnetic fields. The possibility that humans are affected by this subtle invisible energy created deep within the centre of the earth is the conceptual premise of the project. the title is metaphorical of the earth functioning as a “dirt battery”.
Through a series of experiments and encounters, I seek to make this explicit.
The title also refers to the key component of this installation, where dirt is collected in new forms of magic ritual and at specific sites on Awabakal/Worimi Land. The dirt is used to create a battery that produces electricity.
Of central interest is the electricity that is created through the movement of the liquid metal around the iron core of earth and which is responsible for earths electro-magnetic field (EMF). Similiarly, Magnetoreception, a sense which allows organisms to detect the Earth's magnetic field, and has been well documented in animals (such as bees ) and Kirschvink’s research that found humans reacted to unexpected changes in the environment, is also explored. Dirt Battery also expands on this research, exploring the idea of the “body as an antenna” of the earth.
Dirt Battery blends science and magic, performance and play and uses a variety of media- sculpture, textiles, costume, animatronics, video- to explore these both futuristic and very ancient encounters. The work proposes, that through understanding and strengthening our perception of the earths fields we could coregulate with the earth and humanity.These interactions between people, place and invisible forces, and ostensibly, new ways to manage forms of energy and power is also suggested.
MycoElectrica
‘MycoElectrica’ brings to the forefront an invisible force; mycelium. Mycelium, fungi roots, send electrical signals between fungi & forests to coordinate growth, nutrient transfer & defence.
Experimenting with synthetic & organic materials, this research-based work contemplates electricity as a language. Raising questions about human-centric views on intelligence, biotech & electricity.
Dr Mohammad Mahdi Dehshibi's research on mycelium’s electric signals informs the work. His research suggests the complexity of this ‘language’ surpasses many human languages. Dehshibi went on to create an operational mycelium computer.
‘MycoElectrica’ reveals mycelium's conductivity using fungi and electricity from a Tesla Coil. In the work, red, green & blue light blend to form white light, where fungi cast tri-colour shadows. The interplay of light parallels mycelium’s complex ‘language’. The tension between nature & synthetic matter, the physical & digital, is encapsulated in the mystery of mycelium.
Within ‘MycoElectrica', a mycelium root, sewn with textiles and electrical cords, highlights the fusion of nature and technology, giving rise to a digital, holographic mushroom – a blend of the synthetic and organic. Technology, like mycelium, unveils insights into nature and ourselves.
Symbiosis
DNA is eternal and ever evolving. We, and other life forms, are dependent on the relationships we have with other species on earth. We have grown together and evolved to co-exist with each other. We rely on interconnectedness for existence. This work is an ode to the mysteries of life and the unlimited possibilities of the future.
My work delves into the captivating intersection of biology, symbiotic relationships, and cellular-level evolution through the phenomenon of "Horizontal transfer of transposable elements" (jumping genes).
Jumping genes, can leap across entire phyla of life, allowing life forms to absorb DNA and gene characteristics from other animals, plants, or fungi in their environment. For example, Australian snakes originally were able to swim to Australia because they were in the environment of marine animals and absorbed the DNA function of “Swimming”, they did not learn it.
Drawing inspiration from symbiotic relationships, where such phenomena can occur, my work focuses on two distinct pairings: the wasp and the fig wasp, and the Senita cactus and the Senita moth.
By merging the visual motifs and characteristics of each individual creature in these symbiotic partnerships, I create speculative narratives and envision future biological realities of the merging of new species.
These new species are rendered with the integration of new and traditional technologies such as laser cutting, screen printing, and soft sculpture.
This Body of work invites audiences to contemplate the dynamic interplay between different life forms, their adaptability, and the limitless possibilities of evolution.
Artificial Resonance
various textiles, screen printed fabric, plastic chain, and recycled stuffing.
This body of work is an altar that gives reverence to the growing relationship between humans and Artificial Intelligence. In this collaboration with A.I dystopian sci-fi realities and our relationship with technology, are countered through empathy.
For the creation of this work, I created a dialogue with A.I, asking questions about how it interpreted anger, sadness and happiness. The answers were then put into an A.I art generator. I then transformed these images into textile sculptures as a way of responding to the dialogue.
These conversations, delving into how A.I understands emotions, were had in order to find a space of mutual understanding between humans and A.I.
Within the works the collaboration of form and colour become an important means of conveying the 3 emotional states of being. The creative collaboration with A.I became a symbol and a recognition that through empathy and communication, we can nurture the direction of A.I and create a shared understanding.
At its core, this work describes our relationship with A.I as more intentional and a mirror of all human interaction. It is my hope that by building bridges of understanding and communicating empathetically, we will to gravitate towards a more utopian future.
Transparency
'Transparency' is about the practice of sitting with emotions like sadness, pain and insecurity. Accepting them. And allowing them to be visible as an act of self-care and connection.
In my life, I have often been resistant to my own vulnerability and judge myself for 'negative' emotions like sadness, anger or jealousy. I made this work as an encouragement to remind myself to not ignore my feelings and to be transparent with them.
Cause feelings are universal! We all got 'em!
And we are all just trynna figure out this human business as we go along... so no self-judgment needed.
Radical Softness
The work serves as a personal homage. It explores relating to your own body with softness.
I have created a shrine to honour the body. Op-art screen prints as well as textile sculptures symbolise reincarnation and the cycle of life.
Digital Art, Screen Printing, Textile Art and sculpture 2021
Anima
Anima refers to the part of the psyche that is directed inwards, in touch with the subconscious.
This series reflects on the beauty of looking within to actively create your own unique and personal internal landscape.
Acryclic on Canvas, 12x14 inch, 2021
Sci Fi Spectacular
The interglacular Sci Fi Spectacular is an incredibly strange, wild & wonderful intergalactic cabaret show produced by Finger Crossed Creative. I contributed Bizarre and Beautiful headpieces and costumes to the show. As well as performing in the Pod Ritual and as the DJ in the band Flight Hawk.
Vertigo
A textile artwork made from Op-art Digital designs and Screen Printing that is meant to give the Audience a sense of Vertigo.
2020
Earth by Mother Nature
An Conceptual event and Exhibition produced and created by Sandy Sanderson.
Earth By Mother Nature was an exhibition held on behalf of Mother Nature.
Items from the natural environments such as rocks, sticks, feathers and more were hand picked for the beauty and framed as if they were artworks.
All items were silent auctioned off with all proceeds going to an environmental charity - Bush Heritage Australia.
The pinacle of the event was a fashion show by Mother Nature. All Models walked the cat walk naked to show case mother natures finest fashions.
The event also included dance performances, a sound exhibition, live music, a texture exhibition, Rovers embodying creatures and much more.
2019
