Katie Paterson, an award-winning Scottish artist, talks about creating cosmic art that connects us with ancient times. Jonathon Keats, a conceptual artist, challenges traditional clocks by introducing alternatives like river time and bristlecone pine time. Acoustic ecologist Alex Braidwood shares his unique experience of recording dawn choruses and using them for community connection during the pandemic. Together, they explore how art, science, and nature intertwine to craft a deeper understanding of time, urging us to embrace 'timefulness' and reflect on our ecological footprint.
The podcast encourages a paradigm shift towards 'deep time', advocating for mindfulness and appreciation of natural rhythms to combat modern disconnection.
Artist Katie Patterson's work exemplifies the fusion of art and science, prompting deep reflections on humanity's interconnectedness with the cosmos and time.
Deep dives
Shifting Perceptions of Time
The episode emphasizes the need to re-evaluate how society perceives and engages with time, addressing the frantic pace of modern life that contributes to a sense of urgency and disconnection. It highlights the impact of technology, which was meant to create efficiency but instead has led to a feeling of time scarcity, fueling anxiety and superficial engagement with the world. The conversation encourages individuals to adopt a longer view of time, promoting an appreciation for the broader, more natural rhythms that can foster a deeper connection to life. This paradigm shift towards 'deep time' advocates for a mindful approach, allowing individuals to embrace spaciousness rather than relentless speed.
Katie Patterson's Artistic Exploration
Contemporary artist Katie Patterson is spotlighted for her innovative approach to time, where she utilizes materials that evoke deep historical significance, such as meteorites older than the solar system. Patterson discusses creating an hourglass filled with cosmic dust, designed to provide a tactile and visual representation of time that connects viewers to the cosmos and its history. The experience of interacting with her art is described as both sacred and grounding, as it encapsulates the notion of time flowing slowly and presents opportunities for contemplation. Her works challenge viewers by merging artistic expression with the scientific exploration of existence, invoking feelings of awe and wonder.
The Intersection of Science and Art
Throughout the episode, the dialogue delves into the collaboration between art and science as a means of enhancing our relationship with deep time. For instance, Patterson's project 'All the Dead Stars' presents a sculptural map of dying stars created through a residency at a university's astrophysics department, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all things, including humanity's origins. This integration of artistic practice with scientific inquiry serves to expand the audience's perception of time and existence, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and death. Ultimately, this holistic approach inspires deeper reflections on humanity's place in the universe.
Envisioning Future Generations
The episode also discusses the 'Future Library' project, where trees are planted to become a source of paper for future authors, creating a legacy intended to be realized a century from now. This intergenerational initiative showcases a commitment to sustainability and an acknowledgment of the present's impact on future communities. The conversation touches on the emotional weight of leaving gifts for future generations, highlighting the importance of nurturing a sense of responsibility toward the Earth's ecological balance. By considering the long-term implications of our actions today, listeners are prompted to reflect on how they can contribute positively to the world for those who will come after.
Some artists work with pen and ink, some use brushes and paint. And some make art out of time. Meet some contemporary artists who are finding new ways to bridge the distance between us and the furthest reaches of time.
Deep Time is a series all about the natural ecologies of time from To The Best Of Our Knowledge and the Center for Humans and Nature. We'll explore life beyond the clock, develop habits of "timefulness" and learn how to live with greater awareness of the many types of time in our lives.