Rendering Nature 

We rarely perceive nature's intelligence around us. Yet in the 1960s, Hungarian biologist Aristid Lindenmayer brought us a glimpse of it with his L-system. This mathematical formula calculated and showed in what intelligent way trees grow.

I believe this perspective on nature is important, it can help us to be more humble towards it and strengthen our connection with it. Rendering Nature is a circular installation in which a logged tree reincarnates based on its intelligent growth process and what’s being expressed on and through its raw materials.

Type
Academy work

Role
Concept
Art-direction

Year
2020

The material proces

By taking the raw materials of the fallen tree as the basis for the materials on which ánd with which to draw, the tree reincarnates not only through the L-system, but also through its new function. This process and its steps are also an important part of the project, where it shows the infinity of nature.

Wood
Several trees infected with the Dutch elm disease are being cut down in Rotterdam West. The raising temperatures - as an effect of climate change - allow the fungus (that causes the disease) to thrive. Taking an increasing number of trees as victims.

Shavings
Given the infectiousness of the disease, the pieces had to be processed immediately. After removing the bark, the pieces were ready to be shaved.

Paper
Paper maker Leo Hoegen boiled the wood shavings, after which he ground them into pulp. This is the basis for the paper, which is scooped sheet by sheet and hung to dry.

Charcoal
Another part of the wood is made into charcoal. For this, small pieces are canned and charred in the fire.

Pigment
The charcoal is pulverized into a fine pigment.

Ink
A combination of the pigment, water and Arabic gom make the ink for the final work.

Other work

Ontgroen
Academy work

Packaging-free, by nature
Campaign