Small Things in Numbers

At a time when a triumphal arch takes over the headlines, I find true triumph in small beings rather than big statements. Birders are in awe of tiny migratory birds’ persistence. A botanist would praise even the littlest flower in a field, an entomologist would get excited about an ant. These little creatures are amazing, each with a fascinating way of life. And as a collective, they are almost cosmically forceful.

To honor that spirit, I weave Oriental Bittersweet fiber into fabric and make tiny paintings with invasive plant pigments. They may not be quite as amazing as the Willow Flycatcher I saw on the Hawthorne Valley Farm’s Biodiversity Trail, but I think they aren’t bad either. They are installed along the trail, where the second test piece went up today.

My first test piece from April is aging like it's merging into its host. It struck me that it has exactly the same weathered look as some traditional Japanese Shinto objects when they age, such as the rope that marks sacred boundaries, or the large ring people pass through for the purification ritual. Looking at it makes me feel like I'm building a home away from home.

While strolling on the trail, I came across small paintings on rocks. Finding them hidden among the grass is similar to the moment you suddenly notice a sparrow in a bush right beside you.

Then, there are little poems in jars left on the benches. Mine was about Blue Jay. It makes me happy to think my pieces may bring the same joy to others.

The Biodiversity Trail was recently selected to participate in a Ma Earth crowdsourced funding round. Ma Earth will match funds raised and does this using a unique funding equation that heavily values the number of people donating, not the amount donated. So even a $1 donation becomes a vote for the project. Like an ant or a tiny migratory bird, it carries more force than it may seem.

The fund will help:

• Open the Creekhouse Loop Trail extension later this year

• Add interpretive signage to help people self-explore the native plant gardens around the Creekhouse and the “phenology trail” of trees and shrubs we are monitoring

• Support regular maintenance of the entire trail

• Plant more native plants and remove more invasive plants along the trail (which will also provide me with art materials!)

• Support art installations (including my work!)

Please visit here and support this fundraiser! This funding round lasts until July 21st. Thank you!