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A writerly writer who writes

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Allow me to introduce Jennifer Johnson, Writer, Activist, Poet. She is also someone I call Friend. A friend of the best sort. One that inspires me with her words and actions to explore further and love deeper. In this piece, she questions something that I spent years questioning in my own way. Am I an artist? Today, I am amazed how easily I can say those words. Amazed, filled with wonder, and overcome with gratitude.
I am an artist. 

Am I a writer?
Not a real writer, I think to myself. I mean, I’ve never written a book or anything. Continue reading “A writerly writer who writes” →

One Water three years later

Carrie Ziegler2 Comments

I’m excited to share this article from Amber Smith, Education Program Manager at LOTT’s WET Science Center, about One Water: The Infinite Journey. As we gear up to present a Plankton Painting and Science workshop this week, it’s fun to look back on this past collaboration and hear Amber’s perspective on the project. One Water is installed  at the WET Science Center, where its story is shared as part of their education programs.

Thank you Amber!

 

What comes to mind when you think of a wastewater treatment plant? I would bet it’s not a LEED Platinum rated building housing a science center and award-winning education programs. Continue reading “One Water three years later” →

Design Collaboration: Less Waste, More Food

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*Make sure to scroll to the bottom to see the Art in Action!

At the beginning of March, I kicked off the Less Waste, More Food Art in Action Project with 4 design workshops, involving 100 students, at Salish Middle School and North Thurston High School. In these workshops, I presented about the problems of wasting food. In the US we waste 40% of the food we grow! This wasted food has huge social and environmental impacts, including: Continue reading “Design Collaboration: Less Waste, More Food” →

Artist Statement

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I recently updated my artist statement for a proposal and thought I would share! 

My artworks explore the interface between participant, viewer, and subject, resulting in immersive works that compel change. They are process oriented, drawing from relevant environmental and social issues. The finished artworks themselves are multi-layered, pulling the viewer in. The underlying collaboration and community participation is Art in Action. Continue reading “Artist Statement” →

Welcome to the Unknown: Design Collaboration

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It is exciting, and a little scary, to embark on this collaborative art-venture with the Thurston County Food Bank. There are so many unknowns.

I know that it will result in a permanent exterior art installation and involve over 1,000 people along the way.

I do not know what materials the art will be made of, what it will look like, or even whether it will be a mural or a sculpture! Continue reading “Welcome to the Unknown: Design Collaboration” →

I am thrilled to share this news!

Carrie Ziegler3 Comments
Announcement! Announcement! Announcement!
Dear clients, friends, and supporters,

I am thrilled to share this news with you: I was chosen to lead a groundbreaking project for the Thurston County Food Bank, as their Artist in Residence! This would not have been possible without the support of so many amazing people.
Continue reading “I am thrilled to share this news!” →

Adventures in Ferrocement featuring the Pollinator Project

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One of the wonderful aspects of the Pollinator Project was learning a new art medium, ferrocement. Ferrocement is essentially concrete mortar over a metal armature. Using a metal armature and mesh makes the concrete much stronger, allowing shapes and forms that would be impossible with concrete alone. Continue reading “Adventures in Ferrocement featuring the Pollinator Project” →

The Pollinator Extravaganza!

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Collaborator and teacher extraordinaire, Quasar Surprise shared the below summary about the culmination of the Pollinator Project. This collaboration resulted in a beautiful cut-flower garden, teaching garden, permanent sculpture with beneficial insect habitat, and so much more! She shared more back story in this newsletter from the summer. 

 

Continue reading “The Pollinator Extravaganza!” →

No, not aliens. Plankton!

Studying and painting plankton in this way, really brought out the Naturalist in me. By looking so closely at them, and painting them, I was able to learn so much about each individual species. I already thought plankton were amazing. Now I’m even more in love with them. I can appreciate the uniqueness of the thousands of different species and their important roles on our planet.

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“What is that? Some crazy space scene?”

I smiled at the question, secretly pleased. You see, the organisms in the mural I was painting do look completely out of this world. The iridescent shapes on the mural, standing out from the dark, black background, look like nothing other than bizarre space ships flying through space. Continue reading “No, not aliens. Plankton!” →

Well, here goes something.

Carrie Ziegler

Hey Friends,

Do you ever get sidetracked by those silly online quizzes? I just did. I woke up early to write, and ended up checking my email, reading a blog post, and taking this Life Assessment quiz. It was all a way to procrastinate actually writing, which is one of the things I’m actively practicing right now. My writing muscles are still weak, so it’s not easy. Continue reading “Well, here goes something.” →