Soil is Art

Location of activities and scope

Helsinki, Finland

Finland – Artistic ambassador

Executive Summary

The Soil is Art (SIA) project fosters a deeper connection between people and the soil. As the Artistic Ambassador for the Soil Orchestra in Finland, I will publish a book, fascilitate workshops, present a lecture performance, and create an art installation.

An integrated approach combines scientific information with artistic exploration, using scientific understanding and creative engagement to foster care and awareness about soil health among the general adult public. Through these activities, SIA will shift the public’s understanding of soil to knowing that it is a living natural resource essential for planetary and human health.

Motivation Statement

Seeds in dormancy

Microorganisms

Sticking to skin

Decomposition

Looooong time

Carbon sinks

Chemistry

Peatlands

Unknown

Darkness

Speckles

Compost

Farming

Source

Breath

Brown

Depth

Scent

Roots

Food

Wet

Hue

Life

Sub-project objectives

MAIN OBJECTIVE: Improve soil literacy in society.

KEY OBJECTIVES: Use art, culture and science to increase the understanding around soil, which in turn will increase the level of care towards soil, and thus also sustainable practices and climate action. Deepen the relationship of 1,000 people to the soil.

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE: Learn a lot about soil, make art inspired by soil that in turn inspires others and facilitate soil-related dialogues, question making and art making.

Challenges and how they will be addressed

There are three main challenges in this project, and certainly more along the way. The first challenge is that the world of soil is incredibly vast and complex. I will do my best to be methodical and break things down into smaller pieces. Secondly, there is a language barrier, and for example when speaking, the language can be only one language. As much of the material as possible will be bilingual. Lastly, the challenge of reaching a busy audience requires a targeted approach and active networking.

Expected outcomes

● Publish and distribute a small book
● Facilitate four workshops
● Exhibit an art installation at the Soil Festival
● Present a lecture performance at the Soil Festival

Alongside these tangible components are non-tangible outcomes such as:
● A heightened sense of enabled responsibility and care for soil health.
● Many personal experiences of people observing, feeling, knowing, talking and thinking about soil.
● The potential for this project to continue, repeat, be reused and intermingle with other soil projects.
● A lasting source of artistic inspiration.

Meet the Project Team

Ellenor Rose Nish

Artist.

Contact – Ellenor Rose Nish

Email: elle@studiomokii.com

Phone: +358453188422.

Instagram.

Ellenor Rose Nish