Kelp Country
Kelp forests - specifically bull kelp Nereocystis luetkeana- have declined precipitously in Puget Sound in the last 30 years and face increasing threats from climate change, while underpinning a complex and diverse marine ecosystem. Studying kelp, and considering the role of the "hold-fast" (the part of the kelp that attaches to substrate on the seabed), Vaughn proposes speculative artworks to bring kelp awareness to a broader public. Engaging with the material of kelp by drawing with it, learning to weave it, and imprinting it into local wild clay brings sensory and bodily awareness of this watery ecosystem.
As Artist in Residence with Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF), Vaughn is observing the interwoven worlds of humans and the Puget Sound. Focusing on kelp forest restoration, she is immersed in PSRF’s work to create avenues for the public to connect to kelp. An initial phase of exploration of PSRF activities will lead to creative manifestations as publicly accessible artwork. The residency focuses on core concepts: revealing the invisible, material abundance, and restoration as an action. Vaughn has visited the PSRF "kelp lab" where baby kelp is raised, visited a site where kelp is out-planted in work to restore a historic kelp bed, and participated in the Central Puget Sound Kelp Symposium hosted by the Suquamish Tribe. Meanwhile, she snorkels in her local urban kelp forest off the shores of West Seattle.
The watery world is invisible to many humans: what can make it visible and sensible? Material abundance underpins life, what matter can we connect to physically to make this understood in bodily and sensory ways? Restoration of ecosystems is never-ending, how do we engage a broader public?
As Artist in Residence with Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF), Vaughn is observing the interwoven worlds of humans and the Puget Sound. Focusing on kelp forest restoration, she is immersed in PSRF’s work to create avenues for the public to connect to kelp. An initial phase of exploration of PSRF activities will lead to creative manifestations as publicly accessible artwork. The residency focuses on core concepts: revealing the invisible, material abundance, and restoration as an action. Vaughn has visited the PSRF "kelp lab" where baby kelp is raised, visited a site where kelp is out-planted in work to restore a historic kelp bed, and participated in the Central Puget Sound Kelp Symposium hosted by the Suquamish Tribe. Meanwhile, she snorkels in her local urban kelp forest off the shores of West Seattle.
The watery world is invisible to many humans: what can make it visible and sensible? Material abundance underpins life, what matter can we connect to physically to make this understood in bodily and sensory ways? Restoration of ecosystems is never-ending, how do we engage a broader public?
