SOAR: Imitating Nature
About
There are tens of thousands of observations we can make on a daily basis. These observations give us insight and understanding about the world around us. The phenomenon of the physical world we call nature is filled with an abundance of beauty and mystery. From the invisible wind whose effects we feel when we walk to the sounds of birds calling one another – nature invites us to observe it, connect with it, and imitate it.
In this online residency, multi-disciplinary artist Yvette Rock will share about her journey exploring the world of nature through a multi-year installation called “Nest” while inviting you to consider embarking on your own ongoing creative projects using found objects and common household materials.
Day 1
The Nest
Yvette Rock will present a video-documentary about her multi-year installation work that incorporates branches and grapevines to create a human-sized nest. Participants will be invited to consider embarking on their own ongoing creative project while taking time to observe nature, connect with nature, and imitate nature.
Day 2
Lessons from the Weaver Bird
The weaver bird is known for skillfully and intricately weaving a nest using its beak and feet. As a way to imitate the weaver bird, you will be guided in making a weaving project using common household materials such as paper, string, yarn, and fabric. For those who want to make this an ongoing project, incorporating sticks, dried grasses, and other natural materials will be encouraged.
Day 3
You Can Rest
One of the ways to observe nature is by creating environments that welcome its inhabitants. In this session, Yvette Rock will lead participants in creating a rest stop for birds. This hands-on project uses recycled and found materials, including cans, sticks, and yarn. Participants will be encouraged to observe and document how birds interact with the piece. Finished project can also be used as an interior wall hanging piece for those who do not have access to an outdoor space.
Yvette Rock received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cooper Union in New York City and a Master of Fine Arts in painting from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She spent one year as a Visiting Scholar during her post-graduate stint at U of M. It was during this time that Rock conceived of Detroit Connections, a program that fostered collaboration between U of M and Detroit schools and organizations. She has worked as artist-in-residence with InsideOut Literary Arts Project, founded a local after-school program, is a community activist, and collaborates with artists of various disciplines. Rock has exhibited throughout southeast Michigan, including the Carr Center, Detroit Artists Market, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Ellen Kayrod Gallery, and National Conference of Artists. She is the founder and CEO of Live Coal Gallery, a social venture whose purpose is to foster a passion for art, community, and learning. In 2018, she opened The RED, a children's art museum in Detroit. Live Coal is a 2017 and 2019 Knight Arts Challenge winner. Rock is a 2019 Facing Change: Documenting Detroit fellow. She lives in Detroit with her husband and four children.
