Based on curiosity, exploration, and play, unCultivated is a project by artist Danielle Wilborn designed to increase knowledge of available resources found in yards or vacant lots, develop skills, confidence, and self agency while fostering relationships through co-learning, and informal trade networks.
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This project stems from the artists inherent interest in and curiosity of the natural world and the resources it provides. While commercially obtained products require currency and infrastructure, handmade items can cost less in terms of overall environment and social impact and also allow individuals to develop knowledge, skills, and confidence transferable to many areas of life. Making items from found materials invokes a sense of play. Recipes are often adjusted for personal preference or there are multiple methods for getting a final product. This play allows individuals to tap into their innate desire for exploration and experimentation.
Research will focus on the identification and uses of non-cultivated flora with an emphasis on uses outside of foodstuffs. The project will explore a variety of mediums, aspects of sustainability, recovery of “lost” folk knowledge or skills, and proper attribution of indigenous knowledge and the opportunities of bringing community cooperation into said projects with communal sharing of project outcomes.
Sustainably harvesting and utilizing these resources may help communities retain and exercise agency in regards to their own available resources without the perceived need for top-down interventions. Such knowledge has traditionally been and often is passed from person to person, building middle distance relationships and an interconnected web of community, trade networks, and inter-generational relationships.
Research will be approached from two ends. The first will begin with established resources such as books or living sources of knowledge on native plants and foraging and sustainable or off-the-grid living. The second will begin with spending time on the above mentioned properties cataloging and identifying the non-cultivated plants present in those areas and then researching uses for those particular plants. Additional artists, artisans, crafters etc will be partnered with to learn and co-create items from the found resources.
Research will focus on the identification and uses of non-cultivated flora with an emphasis on uses outside of foodstuffs. The project will explore a variety of mediums, aspects of sustainability, recovery of “lost” folk knowledge or skills, and proper attribution of indigenous knowledge and the opportunities of bringing community cooperation into said projects with communal sharing of project outcomes.
Sustainably harvesting and utilizing these resources may help communities retain and exercise agency in regards to their own available resources without the perceived need for top-down interventions. Such knowledge has traditionally been and often is passed from person to person, building middle distance relationships and an interconnected web of community, trade networks, and inter-generational relationships.
Research will be approached from two ends. The first will begin with established resources such as books or living sources of knowledge on native plants and foraging and sustainable or off-the-grid living. The second will begin with spending time on the above mentioned properties cataloging and identifying the non-cultivated plants present in those areas and then researching uses for those particular plants. Additional artists, artisans, crafters etc will be partnered with to learn and co-create items from the found resources.
Participation
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Horse sketch in Charcoal by Joan Spohrer
Buchanan Chamber of Commerce Project Listing: Member Newsletter
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