Mackey’s artistic practice is one of profound stewardship, observation and care for the environment, and is deeply rooted in site-specific land and marine-based work. Seasonal processes range from collecting seeds, to weaving floating islands, to nourishing native tree saplings, to the cultivation of waste ground. Current work resonates with urgent issues of biodiversity loss, species extinction, energy crises, and habitat destruction, while at the same time highlighting positive themes of renewal, awareness, and change. Mackey’s projects all begin with her seed collection and the various ways this material can manifest, including through print, film, text, drawing and sculpture. Many of these processes have a metabolic relationship with the Earth, impacting mineral and energy consumption. However, there is a growing interest in using less hazardous materials that mimic traditional print and film processes. This trend has led to a renewed exploration of historic print, film and drawing techniques and a reimagining of their recipes and methods to align with ecological considerations. A key element in this exploration is the use of botanical agents cultivated in various urban and rural settings. By cultivating and foraging these botanicals, we become attuned to their inherent qualities and influences which opens a myriad of conversation on the fragility of earth’s systems.
https://www.studiochristinemackey.com/cv
