Nature Bound
Char Norman
June 20th, 2025 - September 14th, 2025
Artist Statement:
The idea of Nature as an object of veneration and worship is as old as man. My work speaks of the inter-connectedness of all things with none dominant over the other. As our society and world are facing an environmental crisis which may even lead to our demise it is more important than ever to understand this symbiotic relationship. I present nature in sacred spaces and attitudes to bring understanding and importance to the issues at hand. The iconic pod shape found in much of my work, derives from seedpods and is a metaphor for how we might relate to our natural environment. They are both wombs and shrouds denoting abuse, nurture, mourning, or reverence of nature. My materials and techniques are a direct result of my training in fiber arts, specifically weaving, coiling, and papermaking and have an affinity to the natural objects I incorporate in the work. I have been working with these concepts and techniques for the past decade, with the work slowly evolving over time. I am now moving in the direction of larger pieces incorporating numerous elements as installations, allowing the viewer to move through the pieces to experience from all angles.
The idea of Nature as an object of veneration and worship is as old as man. My work speaks of the inter-connectedness of all things with none dominant over the other. As our society and world are facing an environmental crisis which may even lead to our demise it is more important than ever to understand this symbiotic relationship. I present nature in sacred spaces and attitudes to bring understanding and importance to the issues at hand. The iconic pod shape found in much of my work, derives from seedpods and is a metaphor for how we might relate to our natural environment. They are both wombs and shrouds denoting abuse, nurture, mourning, or reverence of nature. My materials and techniques are a direct result of my training in fiber arts, specifically weaving, coiling, and papermaking and have an affinity to the natural objects I incorporate in the work. I have been working with these concepts and techniques for the past decade, with the work slowly evolving over time. I am now moving in the direction of larger pieces incorporating numerous elements as installations, allowing the viewer to move through the pieces to experience from all angles.