LAND ENTITIES- A DOCUMENT OF THE MATERIAL
The land entity project
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 ?
- Utilise materials consciously sourced, prompting reflection on the potential of local materials.
- Emphasise sustainability, collaboration with nature and seasonal resources to enhance our connection to the environment.
- Encourage responsible practices, urging artists to adopt a caring perspective in their creations.
- Explore sensory engagement (active listening/ looking) to boost creativity, mindfulness and offer new perspectives.
Collecting sediments found in river water at Langsett, Uk.
" 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
Land entities - outdoor forms
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.
