The Land Entity Project, founded by Joanne Gelsthorpe, explores the connections between humans and materials whilst moving beyond traditional human-centric perspectives, emphasising the agency and vitality of non human entities.
What is a Land Entity?
A land entity could be a piece of collected matter or running river water, it embodies the concept that the land possesses its own agency and vitality, influencing and being influenced by the interactions and activities within it.
This project aims to explore the vibrancy of natural materials focusing on their agency by shifting away from an Anthropocentric viewpoint.
How ?
" Actively I Listen to the ebb and flow of the water. Intently observing the traces of sediment as it drifts down stream . Riverbed rocks appear golden and magnified as the sun glares onto the liquid surface. Collected water in jars shows evidence of the hill behind me, its signature floating in circles encased by the glass. In my hand I hold a captured entity of material, embodying the essence of its surroundings. The abundance of greenery at my feet showcases how water is not simply an inert substance but a dynamic force that interacts with and influences the world around it. "
Notes from active observations: A Perspective From the Waterside.
Joanne Gelsthorpe, 2024
From the land to Bio form
These bioplastic rocks transcend their physical form, embodying the spirit of the river from which they originate. As entities of the land, they represent a harmonious fusion of nature and human creativity, capturing the essence of the flowing water that nourishes the landscape.
Each rock carries within it the stories of the river—the whispers of currents, the dance of light on water, and the lifeblood of the ecosystem. They serve as guardians of the river’s spirit, reflecting the vitality and energy that pulse through the aquatic realm. By transforming river water into solid form, these rocks become a tangible manifestation of the river's presence, acting as vessels of its energy and wisdom.
In this way, the bioplastic rocks emerge as intermediaries between the land and the water, inviting us to honour and respect the interconnectedness of all living things. They remind us that the river is not just a physical entity but a spirit that flows through the very fabric of the environment, imparting life and vibrancy to everything it touches.
They serve as a call to recognize the beauty and significance of our surroundings, urging us to listen to the whispers of the land and embrace the wisdom of the river.
PULSE is a listening protocol devised to foster deeper connections to nature.
Perception: Cultivating awareness of the environment and the subtle details that reveal vibrancy.
Unity: Recognizing the interconnectedness of all elements within the ecosystem.
Listen: Engaging in active listening to the sounds and rhythms of nature.
Sensation: Experiencing the textures, colours, and movements that contribute to the pulse of life.
Exploration: Actively seeking out and discovering the dynamic energy present in natural settings.
This acronym encapsulates the essential aspects of engaging with nature while searching for its vibrancy.
PULSE Listening Protocol for Discovering Vibrancy in Nature
Objective: To actively engage with the natural environment and uncover the vibrancy of materials through focused listening and observation.
1. Set Intentions:
- Take a moment to reflect on your purpose for the walk. Aim to be open to new experiences and insights about the vibrancy in nature.
2. Ground Yourself:
- Stand or sit quietly for a few minutes. Focus on your breath and the sensations in your body to cultivate awareness.
3. Active Observation:
- Begin your walk, observing your surroundings. Pay attention to textures, colours, and forms of various materials (e.g., leaves, stones, water).
4. Sound Listening:
- Close your eyes periodically and focus on the sounds around you. Listen for:
- Natural sounds (rustling leaves, flowing water, bird calls)
- The interaction of materials (wind through branches, footsteps on different surfaces)
5. Mindful Engagement:
- Pause at different spots to engage with specific materials. Touch them, listen closely, and observe their characteristics. Reflect on:
- How do they connect to the environment?
- Take notes or sketch your observations, focusing on the vibrancy you perceive in each material. Consider how they interact with light, sound, and movement.
6. Reflection:
- At the end of your walk, find a quiet spot to reflect on your experience. Consider questions like:
- What vibrancy did you discover?
- How did your perceptions of the materials change?
7. Share and Discuss:
- share your findings and insights. Discuss how different perspectives can enhance the understanding of vibrancy in nature.
- Conclude the session by expressing gratitude for the experience and the materials encountered. Consider how this practice can be integrated into future explorations of nature.
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