Jenny sent me a couple of links the other day and I gasped. Check out this work by Patterson Clark:
3-Weed Note ~ 2009 (Multiflora Rose, White Mulberry, English Ivy)
Clark has an undergraduate degree in biology and an MFA (one of my favorite things is the art/science blend). He makes paper and ink from the invasive species in his area rather than just getting rid of them. The woodblocks he carves to print his handmade ink on his handmade paper are also from the weeds he removes. The picture above is an example of currency made from the noxious plants and the value of the different notes is determined by how many plants, grams of a particular plant, or how many differnent species are used for that particular piece.
"'I'm going more in this direction of making art talk more directly about its origin,' Clark says. His prints are available for sale on his website in the 'endless' edition, or as long as the plants are available. He never destroys the blocks and says he likes the idea of intentionally devaluing his own currency to make it more 'weed-like.' By conventional standards, 'they're probably worthless,' Clark says. 'Rather than go through traditional rarified paths, I'll take the weedy path.'"(via American Craft Magazine...I may have to go get a copy! And, here's Patterson Clark's website)
Also, here's a link to Intelligent Clashing...beautiful! (via forestbound)
It poured on Boo and me at the farmers' market today and half of the venders weren't at the last market of the season, but we endured and made the best of it! Thank you local farmers!
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