Sara Baker Michalak
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www.canadawaywildflowers.com
Simply, I wrap sticks with threads to contemplate the beauties of nature—and our interactions with the natural world, as well. My found wood pieces are embellished with threads and other materials, then arranged as collections in shadow boxes. The work offers opportunities for the viewer to observe the interactions of form, color, pattern and texture, and to experience, too, the sense of one-with-nature that my work may evoke.
My work as an artist intersects with the imperative I feel to honor the natural world. The materials I utilize in my art include wood from Zoar Valley in Western New York State, identified by The Nature Conservancy as the most outstanding gorge in the Lake Erie Watershed. The Valley includes many species of rare and imperiled fauna and flora, significant expanses of old growth forest and other valuable natural communities that support a great diversity of life. It is my hope that this exhibit encourages others to protect and preserve the Valley and all of nature’s irreplaceable gifts to us.
In addition to my art, interest in nature has spawned another activity of mine too—that of native wildflower propagation.