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Symbiosis

Artist Statement

Symbiosis

Pronunciation: "sim-bE-'O-s&s, -" Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin, from German Symbiose, from Greek symbiosis state of living together, from symbioun to live together, from symbios living together, from syn- + bios life.

biology
- the relationship between two different kinds of living things that live together and depend on each other.
- a relationship between two people or groups that work with and depend on each other.
From: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbiosis

The title for this exhibition came to me when I was walking through a cloud forest in Montverde - Costa Rica.

Ecological symbiotic relationships are abundant in the rainforest and it led my mind to contemplate the nature of our relationship with ourselves and the world around us, and just how fragile this is: we are all part of one living breathing organism.

Costa Rica is known for its eco tourism and the local guides take great pride in educating the tourists about the wonders of the natural environment that they live in. Inspired by the natural environment and the flow of creative energy that comes with travel I gained a sense of hope that we as a species are beginning to seek new relationships that allow us to live in a more harmonious symbiotic relationship with ourselves, each other and the worlds around us.

The challenge is for each one of us to find ways of living that not only benefit the self but the world we create and inhabit.

Human Beings did not weave the web of life; we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves.
(Chief Seattle)

The majority of materials used in this collection were gathered from countries I travelled through. The floral motifs come from, Borneo and the Maldives. The Bindis from India and Sri Lanka, the paper (made from Elephant dung) from the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka, Shells from, Borneo (Turtle Island) and Costa Rica , Chinese coins from San Francisco and other little bits and pieces that I have collected in my day today life.

Spirituality is the art of the small
(Tacey 2004)

I hope you enjoy the work. Margi.