Today, interdisciplinary and collaborative working is commonplace. In large property development and regeneration programmes we see artists involved in all stages of the design process. It is no longer the case of being invited to tack on a nice bit of sculpture at the end of the build.

We have also seen over recent decades a huge rise in the numbers of ecological artists working with environmental specialists to restore damaged landscapes. Many can be found on Green Museum, of course.

And there is that vast and productive field of Arts/Science practice, where artists and scientists collaborate to explore scientific subject matter.
Below is a photo from Anna Dumitriu, founder/director of the Institute of Unnecessary Research . The photo is from her Normal Flora Project, which investigates the fascinating unseen world of bacteria and moulds that always surrounds us .

The Landscape & Arts Network  (LAN) was one of the very first Arts and Environment membership organisations to advocate and practice interdisciplinary working and full engagement with real life as it is lived – as well as carrying out a strong educational role. Today, it continues to be a widely-respected resource for everyone concerned with creative activity in the environment. Here are one or two images, showing a range of events: 

When Southwark Council agreed to the development and construction of Tate Modern in London, it was on the understanding that a Community Garden would be provided as part of the development. LAN members played a pivotal part in bringing this garden into being. Now it provides a tranquil and and relaxing space for local residents, away from the crowds of tourists attracted by Tate Modern.
           

                                                                           

Designing and creating the garden took a great deal of work over several years, including specialists and many people from the local community. Here is the garden’s labyrinth in process of being built…

… and here is the Opening Celebration in 2006.

 

I took the photo below during one of the Landscape  & Arts Network’s  inspirational weekend visits. It is of one of the Nine Standards near Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria. They are very old. Other than that, I haven’t a clue what they are about.

 

 

 

 

 
                                  

 

 

                             

 

 

 

 

 

I prefer this.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                    And back in London, at the Jeannie Avent Gallery from March 6 – 15, there’s an Exhibition of Works by artists Tam Giles and Jane Higginbottom. Both are responding to the fundamental forces of nature.
Tam Giles shows work based on those processes that involve time and change – especially the ebbing and flowing of tides:

 
… whereas Jane Higginbottom’s sculptures and paintings are based on the effect of changing light upon plants and trees:

I only wish I could get up to London to see it.

If you have an interest in the field of arts and environment,  it would be great to have your comments and news here on this blog!