About Facilitator
Working with ceramics, textile, and plant matter, Emily Loughlin uses the language of maps and abstraction to investigate the symbiotic relationships between organisms and the architecture of their geological environments. With a profound interest in forest ecosystems, Emily’s sculptures, earthworks, and installations draw from research and collaboration with the scientific community.
Objective
Beginning with a short introduction to the history, legacy, and implications of mapmaking, participants will be invited to step outside of their preconceptions, drawing new neighborhood maps that decenter dominant – or even human – perspectives. We will examine an array of different mapmaking techniques across cultures and species, and participants will have the option to trace local topographic maps to use as foundations for later drawings. The group will then take a short walk through Mount Prospect Park, where we will observe the park’s human and non-human users, mapping their experiences of the local landscape through drawing. Working across multiple scales and user groups, participants might examine nesting patterns of local birds, record point densities of fallen leaves, survey plant or animal life within a confined area, or imagine alternative landscape designs that prioritize accessibility, habitat restoration, or play.
What’s Included
– Basic drawing materials and boards
– elevation base maps
– pocket microscope and measuring tools
What to Bring
– Additional drawing or painting supplies (optional)
Disclaimer
This will be a 2-hour, outdoor workshop. Bathroom accessible. In case of inclement weather, we’ll notify participants 2 hours before the start of our program.