Art and Ecology: A Unique Residency Inspires Environmental Reflection
In a groundbreaking initiative this summer, Deirdre Murphy, an assistant teaching professor of art, embarked on an inspiring journey as the first-ever Climate Action artist-in-residence at the Lower Merion Conservancy. This residency offered a platform for Murphy to blend her artistic talents with pressing environmental themes, culminating in a thought-provoking exhibition titled “Gradients of Growth.” Held at the Chimaera Gallery in Philadelphia, the display featured a blend of painting, printmaking, and sculpture, all centered on the themes of “ecological hope and environmental healing.”
Murphy’s artistic exploration was deeply influenced by her interactions with nature during the residency. Her paintings presented a unique perspective, capturing a bird’s-eye view from within tree hollows she encountered. This perspective not only highlighted the beauty of these natural formations but also invited viewers to consider the intricate ecosystems they support. Complementing her paintings, Murphy’s printmaking series drew inspiration from the diverse specimens housed in Lehigh’s Trembley Herbarium collection, showcasing the rich diversity of plant life and its connection to ecological health.
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