I was inspired recently by listening to the ‘In Our Time’ episode about microbiology. I have been thinking a lot about nature-connectedness – it sits at the heart of what I am exploring as a researcher, in investigating human-nature connections in fire-prone landscapes, affected by climate change.
Concurrently, I am working on the Extending Nature project with Intercultural Roots and EcoGPX Ltd, which is developing therapeutic XR experiences to connect people with anxiety to their local natural spaces. As part of the project we have been consulting with a cohort of brilliant nature-connectedness and ecosomatic practitioners.
I heard a lot, in my recent discussions with these practitioners, that their practices are not about creating new connections between humans and other-than-human nature, but revealing those that are already there. We are already utterly entangled in numerous relations with other living beings. Noticing, being attentive to and curious about those relations is one of the ways of seeking more reciprocal, balanced and equitable entanglements between us.
Back to the microbes… Microbial life is itself utterly entangled with all life and lifeways – ours included. In many ways we are more microbial than human, but this form of life typically exists beneath our notice, it escapes us. I thought I might make a piece to counter this blindness to our microbial kin and collaborators, so I did some research, made a suite of vocal refrains and digital loops then mixed them together live.
You can listen to the result here. Hope you enjoy immersing yourself in the microbial world!
Jo Scott: artist-researcher 